Approximately 40 motorcyclists braved wet conditions to help raise money for a new Central Cass Fire Department station Aug. 29.

The “Raise the House Motorcycle Ride” raised just under $2,000 for the new station.

“We believe that several riders were unable to come due to the weather being cold and rainy,” Central Cass Fire Department Lieutenant Jesse Binns said. “We would like to thank everyone who helped support this event and we hope to make this an annual event here in Cassopolis.”

The ride was put on by the Axemen Motorcycle Club of Elkhart, Indiana.

The ride started at the future home of the department just outside of the village on M-60. The dice run went from Cassopolis to the Beeson Street Bar in Dowagiac before heading to Marcellus to the Drop Anchor.

From there it was on to the Friendly in Jones and then Moreno’s in Vandalia before winding up at the VFW in Cassopolis.

The riders celebrated with a dinner and live music at the VFW once the ride was over.

Binns said the new station will provide many advantages to the fire department and that the funds raised from the motorcycle ride will go toward upgrades within the station that had to be cut due to budget constraints.

“Right now, we actually have to shut Broadway Street down for a short time when we take trucks in and out,” he said. “The new station will save us from having to stop traffic.

“It’s much safer for us.”

The property for the new station is located at 23201 M-60 in Cassopolis.

More information about the motorcycle ride and the plans for the new station can be found on the Central Cass Fire Department Facebook page.