Bike rally to benefit homeless

— Riders of Arkansas Rally (ROAR) will come to Conway Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3, to help the homeless through the ROAR into Toad Suck-Brakes for Homeless event. The event is expected to attract many motorcycle riders, both local and statewide. The local chapter 17 of Arkansas Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) will also be helping the local homeless.

David Hawks, a member of ABATE 17, said, “We have known about Bethlehem House and their work with the local homeless for a long time. And ABATE 17 is always looking to help a charity that works hard right here in our own community. Plans are in place for a weekend of motorcycles and music. Several bands will play live, including The Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans, the Allan Hunt Band, the New Orleans Brass Jazz Band and Breaking Eden.”

The weekend will be jammed with events. ROAR into Toad Suck will feature a kick-start party, a burnout contest, bike games and test drives at Toad Suck Harley Davidson. The bike dealer is the major event sponsor.

Additionally, Hawks said, “The Conway Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau are helping make this event a huge attraction for the people of Conway. The rally is free admission and open to the public to enjoy themselves.”

The music performances and many other events, including an Antique Bike Show, will be held in Simon Park. At 9:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, a communitywide Biker Sunday Service and the Blessing of the Bikes will take place. Vendors will be set up on Parkway Street. Bethlehem House, Conway’s Christian transitional shelter, will have a vendor space to supply information about the shelter and its many programs for local men, women and families in need.

Visit the Bethlehem House booth to buy a raffle ticket for an iPad or iPod touch. A $5 donation gives the ticket holder a chance to win one of two iPads or an iPod touch. The drawing will be at the close of the rally. Raffle tickets are being sold at the shelter at 930 Faulkner St. Bikers and anyone interested in purchasing an event T-shirt need to preregister soon. The fee is $15 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.ABATE17.com and click on Rally. Proceeds from ROAR will be shared in-part with Bethlehem House.

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