By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Returning for the second year, Biker and Car Festival has grown into an even bigger event.

Last year, the event featured motorcycles and contests for Best Dressed Biker and Best sling shot vehicle. This year, cars are added to the showcase.

“We wanted to incorporate cars because there are a lot of show cars in the area,” Benitris Edwards said. “This is a place for people to see the many vehicles.”

Over 100 bikes and more than 20 show cars will be on display during the fundraising event. An exact number of the show cars was not available at press time, however, Edwards was told one man was bringing 20 of his cars to the show.

“We are raising funds for our Back To School event and school supplies,” Edwards said. “We want to help the Golden Triangle area. We know the area has been hit hard by the storm and we all need help.”

Edwards is with Gate City Guild #42.

To date, Gate City Guild #42 has helped over 200 children with needed school supplies each year. Gate City Guild #42 and Gate City Commandery is part of the Adopt-A-Street program in Orange. The group opted to adopt two streets instead of the usual one. The guild has also collected toys and items for Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston. The items were taken to the hospital in December last year to help bring some holiday cheer to patients. In March, the group passed out lunches and clothing to area flood victims and in February, the ladies presented valentines for residents at a local nursing home.

In July, the community service continues with the Biker and Car Festival.

“I wanted to bring something to Orange,” Edwards said. “It is a family friendly event for all ages.”

Live music and performers will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday July 14.

Jay’Den Miller, of Orange, will take the stage from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Shon Branham will follow from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Branham was named Texas Country Music Show Entertainer of the Year in 2010.

Wyndie Williams performs from 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and followed by the West Orange – Stark Fillies from 11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

Street Wize, a man known for his music and his humor, will take the stage at Noon until 2 p.m.

From 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. JBean, J’maine and Tsunamii Bravo, of Houston, will perform.

Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm will close out the night from 4:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.

Zydeco Rhythm has a repertoire of modern zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco.

As well as good music, good food will also be available.

Several vendors will be ready to treat your taste buds with mouthwatering brisket, barbeque ribs, funnel cakes, fajita on a stick, fried fish, teacakes as well as ice cream and snow cones. For others, jewelry, reusable water balloon kits and car and bike washing are for sale.

While helping raise funds for school supplies, one will also have the opportunity to help the Orange African American Museum who will have a booth selling pork steak sandwiches. The museum is raising funds for the restoration of the building to house the organization.

Gate City Guild #42 Biker and Car Festival is 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, July 14 at Orange Riverfront Boardwalk and Pavilion located at 803 Green Ave. in Orange.

Hotel block reserved at LaQuinta Inn at 2220 State Hwy. 62 South in Orange.