EATON — The Preble County Historical Society’s Annual Bridges, Bikes, and Blues Ride Fundraiser has become known as possibly one of the best benefit tours in Ohio.

It offers beautiful scenery, small town hospitality, and a rare chance to drive across one of the oldest double-barrel covered bridges in the USA (Roberts Bridge in Eaton) as well as the opportunity to drive across one of the newest double-barrel bridges in the USA (in Hueston Woods State Park.)

Organized by and for the benefit of The Preble County Historical Society, the Bridges, Bikes and Blues cruise takes guests on a relaxing 78-mile scenic county tour.

Bridges, Bikes and Blues kicks off on Saturday June 18, putting Preble County’s rural landscape and historic covered bridges on display. The cruise then transitions into a party and concert complete with blues bands, food, and an outdoor beer garden in downtown Eaton.

It will be a great day to cruise all eight covered bridges with plenty of amazing scenery, according to organizers. The previous four years of the event have received rave reviews, and the best part is that this tour is not just for motorcycles — all motorized vehicles are welcome to participate.

Participants will arrive at the Preble County Historical Center at 7693 Swartsel Road, Eaton OH 45320 (off Ohio 122, a mile northwest of Gratis, six miles southeast of Eaton) to register and enjoy the pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. on Saturday June 18. Riders will roll out from the center starting at 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 per bike or auto/motor vehicle, prepay or $35 the day of event. (The $25 includes eight tickets for raffle prizes and one free t-shirt. Extra t-shirts will be available for purchase.

In Downtown Eaton the fun begins after the ride at 4 p.m., with food vendors, merchandise vendors, entertainment, and the cold beer tent. Blues music starts at 5 p.m. on the Preble County Courthouse Plaza with Flat Out, Bad Men on a Mission and Tall Paul Boyd. Ray Fuller and The Bluesrockers will close the event.

For more information on Bridges, Bikes and Blues, visit the PCHS web site at www.preblecountyhistoricalsociety.com, where you can find bike registration forms, merchandise and food vendor forms, and sponsorship forms.

Call 937-787-4256 for additional information, or via email [email protected].