McCall Service Sponsors 'Olde Mandarin Challenge'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — McCall Service sponsored the second annual “Olde Mandarin Challenge” to benefit the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society in Jacksonville, Fla. The event took place on March 28 and more than over 600 spectators attended.

The event was a biathalon featuring a 5.5 mile Kayak race and a 3.8 mile run. J, Bryan Cooksey Jr. (76) finished first in the 70 and older category. David Cooksey (40) finished fourth in the 40-50 age category. James Cooksey (13), son of J. Bryan Cooksey III, finished first in the 10–19 category and John Cooksey(38) finished 10th in the 30-39 category.

John Cooksey, MMHS president, said, “The event was the second annual event to benefit the Museum.” Nature made it challenging this year with a 20-knot head wind. Several people were unable to finish the event. The annual event crossed over the path in which the Maple Leaf, a Union Steam Ship, was sunk by a Confederate mine while trying to deliver supplies during the American Civil War. The event raised over $4,000 for the MMHS. The museum is dedicated to the history of Mandarin which was home to many historic figures including Harriet Beacher Stowe.