The bikes are back: First Bikers for Babies on the Bay Walk festival Sunday
A great way to raise funds and awareness for a local cause while offering tons of fun things to do for the local community, Bay Walk will be having its first ever Bikers for Babies on the Bay Walk event Sunday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., benefitting the March of Dimes and hosted by the Ronin Riding Club.
Norma Eveland, executive director of the March of Dimes and member of the Ronin Riding Club and Chrome Divas groups, is eager to bring the bikes back on the beach.
“We talked to Steve DeAngelis at the Yucatan Beach Stand last year and he asked if the March of Dimes wanted to be involved in the first Bikers on the Beach Motorcycle Expo,” she explained. “I asked the Ronin Riding Club if they’d help with that, and they did, and they loved the event so much, they wanted to have an annual event hosted on Bay Walk. It’s kind of evolved and we’re really excited to be back on the beach.”
During the six-hour fund-raiser and block party, live music will take place at the Yucatan parking lot and on the pavilion by Snug Harbor. Enjoy Midnight Mixx at the Yucatan Parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Myth, Second Sign and DVS at the Snug Harbor pavilion between noon and 4 p.m.
“We have so many things going on,” Norma said. “We’ll have a roulette wheel with instant winners, from free drinks to gift certificates from local restaurants and more, a poker walk (not run) to each of the businesses along Bay Walk, as well as plenty of 50/50s, raffles, prizes and giveaways.”
Vendors from near and far will offer beach baubles and collectibles, accessories, jewelry, crafts and more in the Yucatan parking lot, as well as throughout the festival street.
Arrow 94.5FM classic rock station will be casting a live remote from the festival from noon to 2 p.m.
And, of course, what’s a bike event without the bikes? Most of San Carlos Boulevard will be closed off for the festival and bike show (and bike parking), with judging taking place in six categories two of which are Best Paint and Best of Show.
When asked if we should bring our bikes, Norma exclaimed, “Absolutely! It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, a good opportunity to get out and enjoy the weather again and the beach is always great!”
The 20-year March of Dimes associate said she’s really enjoyed working with the people of Fort Myers Beach and Bay Walk Group, and looks forward to future events on the island.
“I love everybody at the Bay Walk. They’re just wonderful to work with, such nice people. And the people from Ronin and the Town of Fort Myers Beach have been so gracious with getting the permitting through and everything. We really appreciate all of the help,” she said. “It’s been such a great opportunity to get into another area of the county. We’re really hoping that this is going to lead to doing more on the beach in the future.”
Parking
Parking will be open for bikes only, from the intersection of 3rd Street and Old San Carlos Boulevard all the way down to Snug Harbor.
For cars and all other vehicles, metered parking is available from Estero Boulevard up to the Yucatan on Old San Carlos Boulevard. There are also some pay lots nearby, Lynn Hall Park, and the trolley is always another option.
For more information on the upcoming Bikers for Babies on the Bay Walk for the March of Dimes festival along Old San Carlos Boulevard, call Norma Eveland, 910-3160 or visit MarchOfDimes.com/Florida.