JUDA — Dillon Frick and Kim Mueller have only lived in the Monroe area for a few years but say they would not miss the annual trek to nearby Juda, where the annual Juda Fore Fathers event last Saturday provided food, fun and entertainment for all ages.

“I came out to support the Fore Fathers because they support the community so much,” said Frick, 35, taking time out from participating in the ax throwing event.

He said the annual fundraiser — including a popular motorcycle ride, poker run and auctions of donated goods — recently helped a co-worker’s family. And after a major heat wave in recent days, Friday’s thunderstorms gave way to sunny skies and low humidity — perfect for the outdoor community street festival in this town of about 400 people.

That fundraiser, “Juda’s Four Fathers,” was originally created to help the families of Roger Dunwiddie, Mike Dunwiddie, Robert Pehl and Jerry Sarabacker, who all passed away in the year prior, 2006.

In addition to the bike ride and poker run, the event featured auctions of merchandise, including a Henry repeating rifle, a Ruger pistol emblazoned with an American flag and many locally made works of art. For kids big and small, there was a trike race and egg toss, among other fun activities, not to mention plenty of good food for all.

Entertainment came by way of the Decades rock band, and they had patrons dancing to the music right from the start.

Proceeds from the event in recent years have been donated to numerous local organizations and charitable projects. Among those groups are the Apostolate to the Handicapped; Green County Big Brothers Big Sisters; Toys for Tots; Shop with a Cop; veteran organizations; and food pantries. Scholarships also have been donated for each graduating senior from Juda High School.

In the past, the event has raised up to $20,000, a goal organizers say was obtainable for the 2023 event, once they tally up the proceeds.

“It’s just a good time and a very good cause,” said Frick. “We’re happy to be here.”