Morinville will be revving up for Christmas early this year with motorcycle enthusiasts taking up a toy collection to aid a community charity this weekend.
Morinville will be revving up for Christmas early this year with motorcycle enthusiasts taking up a toy collection to aid a community charity this weekend.
Deb and Marty Robillard, of Technical Automotives, are hosting the Christmas in June Motorcycle Toy Run on June 6 beginning at 10 a.m.
Technical Automotives is collaborating with the Morinville Lions Club to host the event with all proceeds going to the Midstream Support Society's Santa Store.
The Robillards say they usually attend the annual Midstream's Santa Store Auction in November, but had missed out the last couple of winters and wanted to make up for it with the Christmas in June event.
“We wanted to do something unique and different,” said co-organizer Deb Robillard. “We had been toying with the idea for a while. When we brought it up with the Lions Club, they were glad to help.”
The event in Morinville will run rain or shine on a two and a half hour circuit beginning at Technical Automotives' location in Morinville's industrial area.
There are door prizes and a 50/50 draw before the riders simultaneously start the circuit and briefly parade through the centre of town. Morinville RCMP will provide an escort and monitor pedestrian safety.
The circuit goes through Onoway, Alberta Beach, Barrhead and Westlock before returning to Morinville for a barbecue hosted and sponsored by Coach's Corner Sports Bar at noon.
Registration is $25 and Technical Automotives will be matching donations for the first 100 riders to register.
There were 40 pre-registered riders last week.
That number is expected to grow drastically as customers itching to ride become more confident in the weather forecast.
“We have some die-hards that don't care what the weather will be that morning,” added Robillard. “People know the good that we're doing here. While we are open to last-minute entries we are hopeful that more will take the incentive to sign up early.”
The registration period ends 30 minutes before the event officially kicks off. Those who register early will also receive a free goody bag of local items.
All registered participants are entitled to an event T-shirt, don't necessarily have to ride a bike, and can further donate by bringing a new toy/game or by purchasing the $5 burgers at the wrap-up barbecue.
The Robillards are members of the Lions Club and hope Christmas in June will be successful enough to be held annually, although the benefactor may be subject to change each year.
Pre-register
Call 780-939-3976 or 780-907-8139
