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Blessing of the Bikes, May 21; Baldwin

Motorcycle enthusiast gather for a 3 day event with swap meet, vendors, motorcycle rodeo and Bike Blessing. All ages and all kinds of bikes. Just a great time. For more information, please call. (800) 245-3240

The blessing is organized by the Para-Dice Motorcycle Club of Grand Rapids. This event raises money with proceeds from the Blessing going to the St. Ann's Senior Nutrition Program, which the gate proceeds go. The "Blessing" which started in 1972, had 4 bikes and 8 riders who gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church in Baldwin, MI and received a blessing for a safe and happy riding season. Now, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gather in Lake County. Organizers said the 2003 crowd tripled from 2002, who gathered under sunny skies while 2002 saw light snow. Less than half an hour before the Blessing was to begin, Sheriff Bob Hilts received a report from his deputies that, "there are still bikes lined up all the way to the county line," five miles south of the Baldwin Municipal Airport. Opening both the south and north gates to the airport, two abreast, the bikes stream in for a blessing.

Blessing of the Bikes web site

Posted/updated May 15, 2006
by William Stevens (Absolute Michigan Lifestyles Editor)