Everyone who attended the Chamber's annual Luverne Christmas Parade Dec. 2, certainly had no problem hearing all of the motorcycles that came rumbling through town bearing gifts and toys that were donated to Operation Santa Claus.

After the parade, the Crenshaw County Riders, in conjunction with the South Central Riders and the Crenshaw County Department of Human Resources' Operation Santa Claus, hosted the first annual Biker Appreciation Day immediately following the Christmas parade to honor all of the bikers who had participated in the parade and the toy drive.

This new event recognized all of the bikers who had participated in the &#8220Annual Toy Run” for the past 14 years. After the parade, all of the bikers were invited to attend a barbeque hosted by the Crenshaw County Riders. The barbeque was held in Patsburg on Campground Church Road. This luncheon gave the bikers a chance not only to enjoy a great meal, but also a chance to visit with one another.

With approximately 97 bikes present and over 150 riders, the afternoon cookout turned into a great success.

Music and entertainment were provided by Allen Wood and Erica Franklin of Troy.

Bikers enjoyed huge servings of Boston butt, grilled chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and beverages.

Many thanks go out to all of the bikers and local residents who attended and made the day a great success.

The hosts of the barbeque, the Crenshaw County Riders, consist of Timbo Blackwell, T.L. Washington, Vern Flowers, Andy Lowery, Jimmy Morgan, Danny Taylor, E-Bay Knight, and Tim White. The cooks for the day's events were Allen Kelly and Richard Mitchell.

Many thanks also are extended to the many businesses that participated in this year's event. These include The Chicken Shack, Pepsi of Luverne, Hilburn Farms, Flowers Bakery, Budweiser, Super Foods/Food Depot, Food Fair, Richard Howe of Durric Construction, First Citizens Bank, Trendsetters, Circle J Port-a-lets, Hudson Heavy Duty, Dr. Pat and Sandy Walker, Dale Shepherd, Ed Walker, South Central Riders, Billy McSwean, Larry Smith, Crenshaw County Department of Human Resources, Baker's Garage, Bobby's Discount Grocery, Sarah's Flea Mall, Ed Beasley, Steppin' Out, and Lisa's Jewelry Box and Gifts.

Each year, bikers from all over the state, many of whom are doctors, lawyers, teachers and business personnel, participate in &#8220Toy Runs” during the Christmas season to help underprivileged children.

The Crenshaw County Riders plan to make the Biker Appreciation Day and luncheon an annual event for all participating bikers immediately following the Luverne Christmas parade.