The second annual Church Street Cowboy Freedom Ride in Gibson City, Ill. will take place this Saturday in memory of a well-known individual who passed away prematurely.

According to WCIA’s partners at the Ford County Chronicle, Colin Kristensen was a regular presence on the streets of Gibson City, easily spotted by his trademark cowboy hat and long, dark hair. Known as the “Church Street Cowboy,” Kristensen’s moniker came from his ever-present hat and boots and his upbringing on Church Street.

Tragically, on May 30, 2023, 17-year-old Kristensen died in a single-vehicle accident just outside of town while enjoying his favorite country roads and listening to music before heading to work at Ace Hardware.

A little over a year later on June 21, 2024, the inaugural Church Street Cowboy Freedom Ride took place in his memory. Colin’s father Jay said that his son not only had a strong faith, but a great love of the country and the military as well.

“When he was young, Colin was that little kid that would see that older fellow walking through the store or down the street, with some form-over hat showing they had served, and go shake his hand and thank them for their service,” Jay said.

Colin’s family decided to donate all profits from the freedom ride to benefit veterans in his honor. Last year, the ride raised enough to cover half the cost of a tracked, all-terrain “wheelchair” for the Fallen Outdoors organization for use with disabled veterans for various outdoor activities.

This year, an additional beneficiary has been added: Mission K9 Warrior, which trains and supplies service dogs to those suffering from PTSD to help battle the “22-a-day” epidemic of veteran suicide.

“Three of Colin’s classmates and himself were all talking with Marine recruiters throughout their senior year of high school with their ambitions set on shipping out to basic training the summer after graduation,” Jay said. “His three friends are now all active-duty Marines, and no doubt there would likely be a fourth if circumstances were different.”

This year’s event is taking place on June 21 and is open to all vehicle types, with registration being $20. The event is beginning at Mark’s on First at 120 E 1st Street in Gibson City and then travel to Mansfield, Sadorus and Fisher and back to the starting point for an evening of free concerts.

The Josh Holland Band out of Decatur will be the opening act, followed by Nashville recording artists Cody Parks and Dirty South. More information on the event can be found on the Church Street Cowboy Freedom Ride Facebook page.