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By RAY REYES
The Tampa Tribune
PLANT CITY - The historical downtown streets will rumble with the sounds of 10,000 motorcycles when Plant City Bike Night celebrates its fourth anniversary Oct. 7.
The possibility of cooler weather and and prize giveaways could lure 20,000 to the birthday bash, said Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Marion Smith.
The Bike Fest is hosted on the
first Saturday of every month by the Greater Plant City
Chamber of Commerce. JIM REED/The Tampa Tribune
“During the summer, the weather plays havoc with you,†Smith said of the event’s turnout the past last three months, which averaged about 10,000 visitors. “It’s better weather now. Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities.â€
The old Plant City train depot, Union Station Welcome Center, 102 N. Palmer St. adjacent to McCall Park, serves as the hub for the monthly Bike Nights. The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Live entertainment, food and games will be available during the festival. Admission is free.
In addition to the sidewalk vendors, motorcycle accessories will be sold and many of the antique shops in the historical downtown district will be open.
The biggest drawing will award a Harley-Davidson Dyna Glide motorcycle to one winner. Tickets for the drawing are on sale at the chamber of commerce, 106 N. Evers St., or until 8:45 p.m. at the Oct. 7 Bike Night.
Proceeds from the motorcycle drawing will go toward the chamber’s scholarship programs, Smith said.
The biggest draw for spectators, of course, will be the 10,000 custom and classic motorcycles expected to roll into town. Bikers will get a chance to show off their skills and their rides in various individual and team motorcycle games such as the “Slow Ride†and other events races. Winners of each contest will receive a $50 restaurant gift certificate.
The Plant City Police Department’s motorcycle traffic team will also wow the crowd with three demonstrations and the local group Red Hawk Band will perform live.
Bike Nights were established on the first Saturday monthly to help add spark to downtown. Although the event celebrates the motorcycle culture and lifestyle, Smith said Bike Night has always welcomed guests who range in age from toddlers to senior citizens. Bike Night is, and remains, a family-oriented event, Smith said.
“We encourage everybody to come on out,†Smith said.
Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.
Ahem ..Linda , about that ride...ARMEDHIPPIE ON TAGWORLD ..Ahem…
I think Plant City has tapped into a great niche for raising money to support their city and their initiatives. Although I haven’t been able to attend these monthly bike nights in the past I certainly plan to attend Oct 7. Bikers are a great group and support numerous charitable events through their bike rides and rallys. I recently rode in the 9/11 Remeberence ride and it was awesome to see so many bikers out supporting such a worthy cause. I guess complaints for such events rise from those that have never experienced these events first-hand. I just wish Tampa would join the band wagon and start sponsoring bike nights. Keep riding.
I love it...never been to this bike fest...but I wish I could be there. Growing up around bikes, and 50 years ago my own Father had an awesome bike (which he sold to buy my Mom her wedding rings) I am tickled over the new concept that the old die-hard bikers (back in the day) as well as educated business men & women are getting together for events like this as well as Chaity rides to raise money/toys for people in need. I am however shocked that Hillsbilly County Commissioners don’t try to stop this using some excuse dating back to “Biker Gangs” are bad men who support drugs and prostitution and activities like this should be banned!! Screw it, I’d personally feel safer even around the older “biker gangs” than walking the streets of Tampa alone at night because of all the thugs out here with guns. And if anyone out there needs a fun-free spirited lady to ride with them, I’m always up for fun!!! Have a great day and watch out for overbearing car drivers!!! 
Its all about money with the city of Plant City
To Glen; LOL 
I too am surprised he hasn’t posted his attitude regarding more traffice
tying up HIS precious Florida.
Hey Dave....You must be over 90 years old! You certainly need a life dude.
Try getting a real bike… a motorcycle!
If you can’t then we will all embrace you with your 3 wheel trike, because people who ride motorcycles are awesome, caring and fun people! But then how would you know. Hope to see you there!!!
another bike fest. cant wait for the ride there. lets go plant city and lets not forget the one the following week in new port richy.
I used to think the same way as David, but I have always wanted a motor cycle since high school. I am 38 and my husband bought me a bike 2 1/2 yrs ago. We go to Plant City every month and it is very family oriented. Most of us are upper middle class people and our doctor even attends with his harley. His daughter is a vendor and we have a client of ours that’s also a vendor. Its great fun. Like anything else in this world, a few give a bad rep. But I have never seen anything out of line. “RIDE TO LIVE, LIVE TO RIDE”!
"bike night”, plant city,october… most enjoyable, indeed!
I think they should take these darn bikes back up north and then maybe our traffic wouldn’t be so bad. IRA???
I think they should take these darn bikes back up north and then maybe our traffic wouldn’t be so bad. IRA???
Hey Dave why dont you get a BIKE and join some us professionals who ride bike its not our problem that you anti social maybe a schwinn would be better suited for you.
Plant City’s Bike night has in the past been a very well organized family event. To align hoolighans and trouble makers with the caliber of people who own and maintian these magnificent bikes is a tragic misrepresentation of this monthly community event. Quality venders, food and entertainment draw huge crowds that prompt the community and finance future events. Thank you Plant City for extending your hospitality to the community.
WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN LETS HAVE A BIG PARTY AND INVITE ALL THESE UNDESIREABLES TO ROAM THE STREETS OF PLANT CITY AND DESTROY OUR PROPERTY AND TRASH OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
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Posted by Jon Smith, Sarasota on 09/29 at 09:57 PM
Hey Dave,
In case your not up on current events,
A. Sonny Barger will not be there.
B. You have seen “The Wild One” too many times.
C. WW 2 is over
D. lighten up, MAN!!