This year Bruce Bissell has to worry about road construction as well as weather for the 12th annual Biktoberfest.
If the weather is good as predicted, he expects more than 11,000 to attend the Fenwick Lions Club outdoor fundraising motorcycle show in Fenwick’s Centennial Park Saturday.
But he must get the bikers there safely.
He has to alert motorcyclists from across Ontario and neighbouring American states to avoid downtown road work in Fenwick.
“We will bring them in Foss Road and up Church Street,” he said. The bikers usually come down Maple or Canboro Road, both tied up by construction.
It will mean a change in the route of Friday night’s Ride of The Flags, which could involve 200 bikes.
The Ride leaves Clare’s Cycle and Sports on Hwy 20 at 6 p.m. It will go east to Effingham Street, south to Canboro, then east to Haist St., south to Welland Road, then west on Foss to Church and Centennial Park.
“People like line up on Haist to watch the bikes go by,” said Bissell.
At the park on Friday , the Lions will have a fish fry with entertainment by the Chris Anton Band. Vendors will be set up.
Over 11 years Biktoberfest raised more than $670,000. The money has gone to Fenwick Lions projects as well as the Lions Foundation of Canada and Canadian Diabetes Association research.
Highlight of the show is a draw for a 2014 Harley Davidson CVO Road King motorcycle about 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
During the day, which begins at 9 a.m., more than 40 vendors will sell motorcycle gear and other items. Entertainment will include music by the Travelling Beer Bellies. New motorcycles will be displayed and riders will enter bikes in a show and shine.
“Harley Davidson will have some of its new bikes here including, for the first time in Canada, its electric bike,” said Bissell.
For the third year, BikerTV will film the event.
“It gives Pelham national exposure,” said Bissell. Friends in British Columbia saw last year’s show.
Assisting the Fenwick Lions are the Fonthill Lions with its 50/50 draw, Beamsville Lions, Fonthill and District Kinsmen, and the Diabetes Society.
Car parking will be through Pelham Fire Station No. 2 off Welland Road.
Last year it rained, but Bissell said draw ticket sales still went well.
This year weather predictions call for a sunny warm day on Saturday.
