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Palm Harbor Bike Fest expands offerings

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 7, 2009

PALM HARBOR - Ladies and gentlemen, rev your engines. Old Palm Harbor Main Street is gearing up for its seventh annual Fall Bike Fest and Toys for Tots Ride with an expanded event.

The main festivities will take place from noon until 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the downtown district along Florida Avenue. The new wrinkle is a poker walk that will be held in the district the evening before.

"By hosting events like the Fall Bike Fest, the group is able to attract tens of thousands of people to the area, which in turn offers visibility to local merchants and businesses in the district and beyond," said Robin Husbands-Cauchi, executive director of Old Palm Harbor Main Street.

Fall Bike Fest, one of Old Palm Harbor Main Streets most popular events, "gets bigger and better each and every year," Husbands-Cauchi said. The festival traditionally attracts an estimated 2,000 motorcycle enthusiasts.

The day's festivities will begin with a Toys for Tots motorcycle ride. The location of this year's bike run to aid the Marine Corps Reserve Christmas program, however, has yet to be determined. Its traditional starting point, the parking lot of the Walmart on U.S. 19, is being remodeled, Husbands-Cauchi said.

The street party on Florida Avenue will include vendors, many selling biker's ware and accessories. Several groups of motorcycle enthusiasts will participate.

Spectators can enjoy both a classic and collectible auto show and motorcyclists vying for prizes. The event will also include vendors with taste treats and beverages, along with a full day of musical entertainment.

The musical groups scheduled to appear include: The Defendants; performing at 1 p.m.; Highway to Hell, an AC/DC tribute band, 3:30 p.m.; and the Greg Billings Band, 6:30 p.m.

While the actual event ends at 9 p.m., the festivities will continue into the night at local restaurants.

The Nov. 20 poker walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the law offices of Fran Haasch, at the corner of Nebraska and C.R.1. The walk is a fundraiser for the Main Street group.

The walk, in which participants will trek to five stops in the historic district, will end at 9 p.m. The walk's five stops will be: The Witch's Brew; Boyle's Backyard Bar and Grill; Billy Jack's Burger Shack; Thirsty Marlin Grill and Bar; and Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub.

There will be cash prizes and other goodies. Each hand will cost $10 and the fee for each additional card is $5.

For more information, call Old Palm Harbor Main Street, 727-787-4700, or visit its Web site.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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