Bogan Fest to raise money for MS

SPEARFISH Multiple sclerosis is debilitating disease and there are no known cures. So, in order to raise funds to assist with research, treatment and to bring awareness to the cause Bogan Fest was born.

It just feels good to know you are doing something that makes a difference plus it's a great excuse for everyone to get together and hang out in the park, said Chris Bogan, 37, who came up with the original idea. It's great for families and we have been able to get a couple of really great bands lined up and we're roasting a pig so there will be plenty of food.

In its third year, Bogan Fest will be held from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at Spearfish City Park and is being sponsored by Crow Peak Brewing Company. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to Bike MS, which is a part of the national Multiple Sclerosis Society. The highlight of the event's menu options include pulled pork that will have been smoked for at least 15 hours.

Josh Fritz, part owner of Crow Peak Brewing Company, said this year's entertainment lineup is sure to attract a crowd. He revealed that Jami Lynn will perform from 4-6 p.m. and Comfort Kings will perform from 6-9 p.m.

Lynn, Fritz said, is a local singer and songwriter who performs folk music.

She writes about what it's like living on South Dakota's plains, Fritz said. She's a great performer.

Comfort Kings, he said are from Iowa and have a traditional blue grass sound.

This all started when Bogan said he found out a friend was diagnosed with the disease in 2004. The next year, he was inspired to participate in a Bike MS event in Colorado and he was hooked on fundraising. Today, he participates in at least three Bike MS events in a year and is consistently planning events that support the cause. The next race he will participate is going to be held Aug. 18-19 and start in Sundance, Wyo.

Each race is 150 miles and they take place over a two-day period.

During their first year, Bogan Fest raised $600 and in 2011 they raised $1,500. Bogan said his goal is to raise at least $2,000 this year.

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Bogan Fest to raise money for MS