Blessing Of The Bikes Planned

At United Methodist Church

The fifth annual “Blessing of the Bikes” will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 am on Saturday, June 16, at the Newtown United Methodist Church on Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook. The event will begin with a hearty breakfast served from 8:30 to 11 am for the fee of a free-will offering.

Motorcycles, bicycles, and riders will be blessed.

The first two years the event was held, rain dampened both the road and the attendance. But better weather the following years significantly boosted the attendance. Many riders already have indicated they plan to attend this year.

“We encourage all who have an interest in biking to come – even if you don’t ride or if it was an activity that you enjoyed in the past as opposed to the present,” said Marty Maciag, one of the organizers. “If it rains, we especially need all our friends to drop by, so the breakfast will not be wasted. Please feel welcome to patronize and be friendly at this local event regardless of the weather or the circumstances.”

This will be the second year that plaques will be awarded in four categories: the youngest biker, the oldest biker, the person who comes the furthest distance on a bike, and the person who owns the oldest motorcycle. Last year the youngest rider was Adella May Carlson Dzitko.

The public is invited to join in the fun and fellowship of this outreach event. Members of several local clubs will be in attendance, including the Christian Motorcycle Association, the Hat City Riders, and the Beacon Riders of New York.

For more information contact the organizers, Alice Saxton at 426-7728; Marty Maciag at 426-4817, or Barb Carlson at the Newtown United Methodist Church, 426-9998.