By C.J. Carnacchio

Leader Editor

It seems like every fund-raiser out there these days involves either running or golfing or bugging people to buy some product they really don’t need.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to support a fantastic community cause by wandering from bar to bar, imbibing adult beverages and enjoying delicious food?

Well, there is.

On Saturday, June 17, downtown Oxford will host a pub crawl to raise money for the Fifth Annual Lone Ranger Parade and Festival on Aug. 5.

Founded in 2013, the parade and festival celebrate the community’s unique connection to the Lone Ranger via the late Brace Beemer, the Oxford Township resident with the booming voice who famously portrayed the fictional masked lawman on coast-to-coast radio from 1941-54.

From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., folks age 21 and older will be able to quench their thirsts and fill their bellies at eight establishments spanning the four main quadrants along Washington St. (M-24).

“We’re hoping for 200 to 300 people. That’s what we’re shooting for,” said Walter Bargen, a member of the Lone Ranger Posse, a group of unpaid, civic-minded volunteers who organize the parade and festival.

Participating establishments are the Ox Bar & Grill, Casa Real, 24th Street Sports Tavern, Sullivan’s Public House, HomeGrown Brewing Company, Falling Down Beer Co., Red Knapp’s American Grill and The Oxford Tap.

“Oxford is one of the places to go for dining and entertainment,” Bargen said. “It’s so convenient. We have the distinct privilege of having eight – and growing – establishments within walking distance (of each other).”

Tickets are $10 prior to the event and $15 the day of the crawl. Tickets are nonrefundable. If the crawl is cancelled due to inclement weather, all ticket sales will be considered donations to the event.

Tickets are available at two stores in downtown Oxford – Caveman & Pip: Custom Woodworking and Home Decor Market, located at 28 S. Washington St., and Pink & Charlie, located at 14 S. Washington St.

They are also available online via www.lonerangerpubcrawl.eventbrite.com.

Crawlers must check-in at Centennial Park.

There, each crawler will receive a lanyard that gives them access to assorted specials on food and drink.

Sullivan’s will be offering $3 Oberon pints, $4 shot specials and $5 appetizer specials. HomeGrown Brewing will give crawlers a $1 discount on select beers and $5 chili cheese fries. Falling Down won’t be open, but they will be offering beer samples and giving tours.

The Oxford Tap will have specials on Moscow and Irish Mules for parched throats and offer Tex burgers, Red Eye burgers and Road House frog legs to fill empty stomachs.

The Ox will feature a Ranger Rum Runner drink and a Lone Ranger Platter filled with appetizers.

Silver bullet shots, cowboy wraps and rodeo burgers will be available at the 24th Street.

Check-in at Centennial Park begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Tickets must be brought to the check-in booth to receive a lanyard.

The Oxford-based Niereschers Taxi will be available to provide rides for those folks who overindulge that night.

Bargen said they want all pub crawlers to stay safe and be responsible.

For more information about this taxi service, its pricing and vehicles, please call (248) 845-8088 or visit www.nierescherstaxi.com.