Fourth Annual Blessing

Of The Bikes Set For June 24

The fourth annual Blessing of the Bikes will be held on Saturday, June 24, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Newtown United Methodist Church on Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook. Motorcycles, bicycles, and their riders are invited to attend.

The event will begin with a hearty breakfast, which will be served from 8:30-11 am. The cost is a free will donation.

“The first two years this event was held, rain dampened the road and attendance,” said Marty Maciag, one of the organizers. “The third year, 1999, was our first really successful year as the sun was finally on our side and many riders dropped by. This year we have already received many requests about our event.”

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

This will be the first year that plaques will be given out in four categories: the youngest biker, the oldest biker, the person who comes the furthest distance on a bike to the event, and to the person who owns the oldest motorcycle.

“Last year the oldest rider was a wonderful, enthusiastic rider, 74 years young, with his Harley,” Mr Maciag said. “It’s always wonderful to know how to live!”

Members of several local clubs will be in attendance.

“We are fortunate to have a local Christian Motorcycle Association in the area, and the Hat City Riders and the Beacon Riders of New York also are intending to come,” Mr Maciag said. “Look to Channel 21 for a video of last year’s activities. Meanwhile, know we’d love to see you at this event on June 24.”

For more information, call Mr Maciag at 426-4817, or co-organizer, Alice Saxton, at 426-7728, or Barb Carlson at the church, 426-9998.