More than 3,000 bikers expected at annual downtown event

Benny Downs, first officer for the local Southern Cruisers Riding Club, has taken part in every Bikes On Broadway since its beginning 14 years ago.

"It just gets bigger every year," Downs said of the event taking place Friday and Saturday in downtown Columbus.

He is expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 motorcyclists from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama to participate.

Those who love motorcycles should be there, but there will be plenty of fun for those who do not.

"We are going to have 36 vendors featuring a lot of different items such as handmade jewelry and leather clothing," Downs said.

Sellers of motorcycles and parts such as Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson and Extreme Power Sports will be showing their wares.

"It is a great family event," Downs said. "There will be plenty of food."

There will also be plenty of music.

Rock bands Spent and Band of Thieves will perform Friday.

Saturday will feature live music from Haywire, Vinyl Radio and Zero260 filling the air.

Among many radio personalities doing live remotes will be Rob Carter and Dawn Cox, both from Rock 103.

There will be a dice run and a raffle.

All of the money raised goes to Our House Children's Home at Carpenter's Way Ranch for Boys and the Arabella House for Girls, which provides a safe haven for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

"It is a great cause, and since the beginning we have raised about a quarter of a million dollars," Downs said.

Last year's event raised a little more than $24,500.

"We don't keep a penny for ourselves," Downs said.

When is the event?

It is Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What is the cost?

It is free.

Where is the event?

It is on Broadway.

Will kids enjoy it?

It is a family event.

This story was originally published September 9, 2015 at 10:19 PM with the headline "More than 3,000 bikers expected at annual downtown event."