Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 19, the sound of hundreds of “Harley hogs” will be heard roaring through downtown Valdosta as the Outback Riders hold their annual toy run. This year marks the 28th year that the local group of motorcycle enthusiasts have held the event which benefits the children of local surrounding counties. Each year, hundreds line the route to see and hear the hundreds of motorcycles; with many of the bikes, and some of the riders, brightly decorated for the festive season.
The cost to participate is a new, unwrapped toy which will go to the Lowndes County Salvation Army. All the toys collected will be distributed to families in Lowndes and surrounding counties. Any cash donations will go to help the Empty Stocking Fund, which also helps the Salvation Army. All participants will receive a door-prize ticket for one of many door-prizes that will be given away during the event. The first 500 people to register will also receive a helmet sticker and a vest pin. A 50/50 drawing will also be held. Proceeds from t-shirt sales and the 50/50 drawing will be used to help cover the costs of the toy run.
The staging area this year will be at Cowboys Firepit Grill and Bar, located at 1088 Lakes Blvd., in Lake Park, Ga. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The blessing of the bikes will take place at 1:15 p.m. and kickstands will go up at 1:30 p.m. The 15-mile, police-escorted route will travel north on US Hwy 41 through downtown Valdosta to Five Points Shopping Center. Bikers may pre-register at Mikki's Bar on Northside Drive, in Valdosta. Free food will also be available at Mikki's after the toy run.
The toy run will take place, rain or shine, and all motorcycles are welcome. For more information, please call (229) 460-2521 or (229) 561-7125.
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