Chris Kurz of Listowel training for an Olympia pull fundraiser for the Listowel hospital. (Photo courtesy of Kaufman Klicks Photography)Chris Kurz of Listowel training for an Olympia pull fundraiser for the Listowel hospital. (Photo courtesy of Kaufman Klicks Photography)
Midwestern

Listowel strongman ready for another Paddyfest Parade fundraiser

The Paddyfest Parade is approaching, which means parade watchers will see another feat of strength from local strongman Chris Kurz.

This year, Kurz said he will be doing what’s called a strongman yoke event.

“Basically you put a barbell across your shoulders and back, and heavy weight on each side," he said. "So what we’ve come up with, with the help of the local high school here in Listowel, we’re going to carry loonies, so we’ve asked everyone to make donations in the form of loonies, and we’re going to be carrying the loonies as a pot of gold through the Paddyfest Parade in a couple weeks.”

In thinking of a new idea for the parade, Kurz enlisted local students to help, and he says the students came up with the idea based on a recent hit movie.

“The Baywatch movie had come out about two weeks before I met with the students, and in that movie, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson carries fridges on each side in the same type of athletic feat.”

Kurz said there is still time to drop off donations at many locations in Listowel.

“You can bring your loonies to Dynafit here in Listowel. I believe the Zehrs is collecting, Diana Sweets restaurant, Crabby Joe’s, and if you know any Kinsmen or Kinnettes, they’re also accepting loonies, or cheques or whatever," he said.

Kurz noted you can also drop off donations right at the Salvation Army in Listowel, which the event is donating all the money to.  Kurz said they’ve already raised nearly $5,000.

Listowel's Paddyfest parade is March 16 starting at 11 a.m.

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