PREBLE COUNTY — This weekend, motorcycles and blues music will converge in Preble County for a one-of-a-kind festival benefiting the PC Historical Society.
The PCHS’ annual Bridges, Bikes, and Blues fundraiser is one of the newest but possibly the best benefit tours in Ohio, according to organizers. It will take the county by storm once more on Saturday, June 20.
It offers beautiful scenery, small town hospitality, and a rare chance to drive across one of the oldest double-barrel covered bridges in the United States, as well as the opportunity to drive across one of the newest double-barrel bridges in the country. Last year over 1,000 bikes registered for the event.
Organized by and to benefit the Preble County Historical Society, the Bridges, Bikes and Blues cruise takes guests on a 78-mile scenic county tour.
The event kicks off on Saturday, June 20, putting Preble County’s rural landscape and historic covered bridges on display. The cruise then transitions into a street party and concert in downtown Eaton, complete with several blues bands, food, and an outdoor beer garden.
This tour is not just for motorcycles — all motorized vehicles are welcome to participate as well, according to organizers.
Participants should arrive early at the Preble County Historical Center, at 7693 Swartsel Road, Eaton (off Ohio 122, one mile northwest of Gratis, six miles southeast of Eaton) to register and enjoy the pancake breakfast at 9 a.m.
Roll out from the center starting at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $20 (pre-sale) per motorcycle or vehicle or $25 on Saturday.
This fee includes includes tickets for raffle prizes and one free t-shirt. Extra t-shirts will be available for purchase.
For avid runners, there will be a 5K Run starting at Eaton High School at 8:45 a.m., with the chance to run across the Robert Double-Barrel Covered Bridge. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and is $20. This includes a free t-shirt.
There will be medals for the top three finishers in each age group category.
In downtown Eaton the fun begins after the ride concludes, at 4 p.m. where food vendors, merchandise vendors, entertainment, and a beer garden will be set up.
Music starts at 4 p.m. on the courthouse plaza.
John Kogge, Oxford, performs from 4-5 p.m. He starts the blues backed up by his eclectic style from folk, traditional, rockabilly, bluegrass, standards, and classic rock.
Bad Men on a Mission follow from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The mayor of College Corner, he is the 2010 Cincinnati Blues Challenge Solo/Duo Division Winner.
Blue Lou and the Blues Mafia, Eaton, take the stage from 7-8 p.m.
Ray Fuller and The Blues Rockers headline from 8:30 p.m. to closing. Fuller has shared the stage with blues artists including Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, and others.
For more information on Bridges, Bikes and Blues, visit the PCHS web site at www.preblecountyhistoricalsociety.com. Items there include bike registration forms, merchandise and food vendor forms, and sponsorship forms.
Call 937-787-4256 for more information or via email [email protected].
