They’re fuzzy, soft, mobile, and ready to offer the community a unique riding experience.
This weekend at Plum Coulee’s annual Plum Fest, Stuffy Riders, large stuffed animals that go at the touch of a button, will be in attendance.
‘I want one of those’
Julie Hildebrand, owner of the special riders, said she was first introduced to them by her husband, who is a band and music teacher.
“On a band trip a number of years ago, he went to a mall to have fun with the students in the mall, and they saw a store of Stuffy Riders and they all fell in love,” she said. “They took these big furry animals that you sit and ride on, and they rode around the mall and had a ton of fun.”
Hildebrand said that her husband’s response to the experience was: “I want one of those.”
Soon after, the pair was purchasing some of their own Stuffy Riders.
A visit to Plum Fest
Hildebrand said that her Stuffy Riders will make an appearance at Plum Fest in Plum Coulee today between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Main Street.
While she isn’t sure what the exact layout for Plum Fest will be (sometimes an obstacle course is involved), all the rides will be free of charge for participants.
“They are like a fast mall-walking speed,” she said. “They're not too fast, but enough to have some fun.”
Fun for all ages
Hildebrand said that taking a Stuffy Rider for a spin this weekend is available to all ages.
The riders come in two sizes. The large ones have a weight limit of 300 pounds, so Hildebrand said it’s also possible for a parent to take a child on the vehicle with them.
“Stuffy Riders are for all ages and abilities. As long as you can sit and hold yourself up and push a button, you're good,” she said. “[It’s] for the young at heart. Once you just let yourself go and have a seat, you will have fun.”
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Hildebrand said that her favourite Stuffy Rider, a purple owl named Hoot with soft fur and a bow on her head, is a most fitting guest for Plum Coulee's festival.
“I brought Hoot along with me for the Plum Fest — I had to bring something purple,” she said.
To see more of what Plum Fest has to offer this weekend, click here.
With files from Jayme Giesbrecht.