SitNews - Stories in the News - Ketchikan, Alaska

 

Ketchikan Harley Riders' Hold 16th Annual Spring Event
By Valerie Hendel

 

May 04, 2006
Thursday


Ketchikan, Alaska - There was rain and there was hail but that wasn't thunder that rumbled through Ketchikan, Alaska over the weekend. The Ketchikan Harley Riders' Association welcomed riders from Wrangell, POW, and Prince Rupert for their 16th Annual Spring Opener held at Whipple Creek. The Opener provides an opportunity for Riders to gather to see old friends. It also brings awareness to the Association and helps to raise money for community charity.

jpg Harley Riders

Mark Harris & Cindy Griffen
Photo by Valerie Hendel

Approximately 49 bikes were assembled Saturday at Tongass Dock for "The Blessing of the Bikes" officiated by Pastors Grant Smith, of Clover Pass Community Church, and Jeff White, of the Church of God. Pastor Smith thanked the Association for their contributions to the community over the years.

Following "The Blessing of the Bikes", the traditional Poker Run through town culminated at Whipple Creek where a 130 lb. roasted pig stuffed with chickens greeted riders tired from the rain and hail. Music by Bill Fish of Prince of Wales and Ketchikan's own Don Kralis kept spirits up late into the night.

The highlight was the Sunday Rodeo with events designed for fun and to sharpen the skills of the riders. Adults and children competed in rain and mud for prizes in events such as The Slow Ride, Ball Scoop, and obstacle courses. A 50/50 raffle was held to raise money to help pay medical expenses for a member. The winners of the raffle generously donated their half back to the charitable fund.

Fueled by plenty of hamburgers and hot dogs, children braved the elements well. Many little faces sported paint thanks to Rene Griffin and eager coloring contest participants submitted their works of art to be judged.

The Ketchikan Harley Riders' Association also sponsors an annual Toy Run which donates toys to children during the holidays. Raffle tickets for the 2006 Harley Street Bob giveaway are now being sold for the October Bike Show drawing.

Valerie Hendel is a freelance writer living in Ketchikan, Alaska.
A freelance writer is an uncommitted independent writer
from whom a publisher, such as SitNews, can order articles for a fee.



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