STURGEON FALLS, Ont. — As the noises of a commercial kitchen ring out in the background, Kate Lepage graciously takes a few moments during what is considered to be "quiet" time at the RIV Chip Stand.
Although the event will have a slightly different feel to it this year and will observe increased health and safety protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, RIV co-owner Kate and partner Bruno Lepage are determined to make the 9th Annual Pogo Day as fun and as philanthropic as its predecessors.
One dollar from the sale of each pogo at the RIV on Main Street in Sturgeon Falls this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will go to Epilepsy North Bay.
"That's always been my charity of choice," explains Kate, "as my late mother had epilepsy and we know a few families in town with family members with epilepsy. It's close to my heart."
The RIV has been family-owned for nearly 50 years and has been "the home of famous fries since the '70s." Kate and Bruno have been operating the RIV since 2017 and have continued the tradition of selecting locally-sourced potatoes for the fries and poutines.
Kate says with Ride for Dad operating virtually this year, Pogo Day is the RIV's biggest fundraiser.
"I'm sure it's been hard for many non-profits this year. Usually, you have a big event and this year you can't do that," she says. "Luckily, we're outside so we can still do something."
Kate says, in past years, a representative from Epilepsy North Bay has made the trip to offer educational materials but, unfortunately, will not make it this time around. Kate says she will do her best to fill in this year and will answer questions and offer information on epilepsy online.
It's rare to meet restaurant owners who don't want too much of a crowd but at the RIV they say it is possible to succeed without too many gathered at once due to the nature of the constant flow of walk-up and take-out chip stand customers.
Kate says the RIV has noticed a lack of tourists in the area, especially from south of the border this season.
"It's been an interesting year," observes Kate, "but I'm happy our tables are outside. We're going to be OK."
The RIV is determined to follow health and safety protocols, so this year's Pogo Day will remain low key — without a band or all the usual bells and whistles — but still with one dollar from each RIV pogo going to a good cause.
