A Rally With A Cause

Last January the Fayetteville Town Center hosted a night of gaiety and giving, courtesy of all the people who worked to make the 2012 rally a success. During the event, representatives of the various charities chosen for last year's funding were presented with their checks totaling over $185,000.

All funding is the direct result of revenues from the rally.  Bikes Blues and BBQ is the nation’s largest charity driven rally, accounting for well over a half million dollars generated for local charities in its brief 13 year existence.

"2012 Bikes Blues and BBQ Generated Over $185,000 for Local Charities"

Having grown from a modest beginning, BBB has risen to the status of one of the most important events, nationally, for the motorcycle industry.  The rally’s economic impact upon the state was estimated by a 2005 economic impact statement prepared by the Walton College of Business of the University of Arkansas to be between 35 and 50 million dollars.  Since that time, BBB has grown exponentially, as has its monetary contribution to the local, regional, and state economy.

A few of the charities that benefited from the 2012 rally include Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas, The Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club and the Seven Hills Homeless Center.  

"It’s through events and corporate relationships that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas can achieve our success. Since every mentoring relationship costs our agency $1000 per year to make and maintain, you can realize how important support from Bikes Blues and BBQ is to us and we are honored to be a continued partner of this amazing festival!"

This year, 20 non-profit organizations will be set up at Bikes, Blues & BBQ selling goods and collecting donations.  These local charities include:

• Big Brothers & Big Sisters of NWA
• Big House Youth Outreach, Inc.
• Camp Sunshine Burn Camp for Children
• CASA of NWA
• Fayetteville Band Boosters
• Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club
• Horses for Healing
• Jackson Graves Foundation
• Jones TV
• Life Source International
• NWA Child Care Resource & Referral Center
• NWA Economic Development District- Meals on Wheels
• NWA Free Health Center
• Ozark Military Museum
• Pagnozzi Charities
• Peace at Home Shelter
• 7 Hills Homeless Shelter
• Sheriff Ralph Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Single Parent Scholarship Fund
• Southeast Fayetteville Community Center
• Youth Bridge

This year’s rally will feature the most diverse range of attractions yet, including something for almost everyone.  The NWA Mall will be home to the 2nd Annual Classic Cars Show.  The Baum Stadium Motorcycle Village will have dozens of vendors, demo rides of the newest motorcycle models, a special ladies’ area, and helicopter rides, as well as the very exciting stunt bikes leaping 40' in the air.  The Washington County Fairgrounds will host Kansas City BBQ Society Arkansas State BBQ Championship as well as free live music, lawn mower pulls, karaoke contests, and bike games.  Drake Field will be holding Bikes, Blues and Bombers where patrons can see, tour and even ride in the world's only flying B-29 Super fortress.  Traditional events such as the two Fayetteville Fire Fighter's Poker Runs and greatly anticipated Parade of Power will also be held. And finally, Dickson Street will be alive for four days with bikes shows, vendors, live music, a beauty pageant, and train rides.

While exact numbers are impossible to ascertain, it is estimated that from a regional standpoint, the rally accounts for approximately 400,000 attendees.

For more on the charities at Bikes, Blues & BBQ, visit:
www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/charities