BONNYVILLE – This year, the Bonnyville Legion’s annual motorcycle show and shine is all about bringing awareness to PTSD in military personnel and first responders that put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe.
The Legion is asking community members to join them from Aug. 12-14 as they host their first adventure with The Rolling Barrage non-profit, their second rally, and third pig and beef roast.
The Rolling Barrage holds an annual motorcycle ride from Halifax to Burnaby B.C. to fight the stigma of PTSD and raise funds for programs or organizations that help Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and first responders get treatment to live with the mental injuries resulting from their service to Canada and their communities.
The August event will also be the Legion’s fourth People’s Choice Show and Shine.
The majority of the weekend's events will be based at the Eastbourne Ball Diamonds on Moose Lake.
It all starts Friday, Aug. 12, where riders and anyone interested in live music and a good time can set up tents and enjoy free camping with their general admission.
Saturday morning is when scheduled events get going.
Rally bikers will head down to the Bonnyville Legion between 9 – 11 a.m. to register for the ride and enjoy some coffee before the trip.
Riders will leave the Legion at 11:15 a.m. to start their scenic voyage to meet up with the riders from The Rolling Barrage.
Over 59 riders with The Rolling Barrage have already registered to join with the Legion’s ride and will head back to the Eastbourne Ball Diamonds for the People's Choice Show and Shine.
The show and shine is expected to start at 4-6 p.m.
While as the bikers are on the outlined route there will be all kinds of fun activities happening at the ball diamonds, including a bean bag toss tournament.
There will also be a Glendon Derby and Mudbogs event taking place nearby for anyone not taking part in the motorcycle ride or bean bag toss tournament.
The roasted pig and beef supper complete with baked potato, beans, a bun and coleslaw will be served between 6-6:30 p.m.
Legion organizers are encouraging all musicians of any age or style of music to jump on the stage and play their heart out during their open mic jam.
The Sonic Youth, a band that includes a local teen will also take to the stage Saturday night.
Sunday morning will start with a pancake and sausage breakfast for $5. All profits from the breakfast will go to the Bonnyville food bank.
Following breakfast, riders with The Rolling Barrage will depart as they continue their cross Canada PTSD awareness ride.
Local bikers are encouraged to join the group on their trip to Fort McMurray, or even as far as Vancouver.
This year event was organized in partnership between the Bonnyville Legion, The Rolling Barrage and Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority’s Station 5.
Ticket information
General admission and/or the bike rally is $25
A family pass, for groups of any age includes free all weekend camping and Saturday's banquet, is $80.
Entry after 8 p.m. on Saturday evening requires a cash donation.
Musician admission, which includes free all weekend camping and Saturday's banquet, is $15.
Musicians will receive free entry after 8 p.m. on Saturday evening.
Volunteer opportunities
Anyone wishing to help out is encouraged to attend an organizational meeting on Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Bonnyville Legion, or contact Legion president Jamie Beaupre for more information.
