Hobart park fundraiser/motorcycle run will happen Saturday
By Karen Caffarini Post-Tribune correspondent August 23, 2012 10:09AM
If you go
What: Run for the Park motorcycle run and party
When: Aug. 25. Sign-up starts at 9 a.m. Ride starts at noon
Where: Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, Hobart.
Sponsors: American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association Chapter 13, Hobart Jaycees and city of Hobart
Cost: $20 per single/$25 for double includes escorted ride, food ticket and two drink tickets
How: Pay at the event
About: The event includes a motorcycle run, live bands, beer garden, 50/50, raffles and food. Proceeds will go towardsimprovements at Hobart’s Veterans Park at 73rd Avenue and Indiana 51.
Updated: September 25, 2012 10:33AM
HOBART — Mayor Brian Snedecor said a motorcycle run and party fundraiser for Veterans Park will take place on Aug. 25 at Festival Park as planned, despite concerns raised by the Hobart Park Board.
“We worked out all the details and we’re good to go. It looks like this will be a phenomenal event,” Snedecor said at a recent council meeting.
The inaugural event planned by the American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association chapter in Hobart appeared to be in jeopardy after Park Board members and officials raised a number of concerns at a recent meeting, including worries that a beer truck wouldn’t be removed in time for a wedding taking place at Festival Park the next day.
Park Board members also complained that the veterans group had not gone to them for approval before organizing the event.
Snedecor said there was a “little bit of a breakdown in communication,” but pointed out this is the first time the group is putting on the event.
“There’s a learning curve,” he said.
AVMRA Cmdr. Ron “Doc” Bishop had appeared before a previous City Council meeting to announce plans for the motorcycle run, the proceeds of which he said would solely be used for improvements at Veterans Park. Bishop had been working with the mayor and Councilman Jerry Herzog, D-1st, on the event prior to that night and said he had spoken to parks officials months ago to secure the date.
Bishop said the event will include the motorcycle run, a dunk tank, entertainment, beer garden, raffles and more.
Bishop would like to see more restrooms and benches at the park, as well as a band shell similar to the one at Festival Park, among other amenities.
However, Park Board members said the department has a five-year master plan that would have to be considered when making improvements.
Snedecor concurred.
“(The AVMRA) would have to work in conjunction with the Park Board and Superintendent (John) Mitchell on any appropriate improvements,” Snedecor said.
