GREENFIELD — When several groups partnered on a motorcycle event on the east side of Greenfield last summer, they weren’t sure how many the new event would draw.
The answer was plenty — an estimated 600 festivalgoers, so many that organizers paved a larger area and planned for a larger sequel.
The second annual Greenfield Bike Fest is set for 5 p.m. July 8. Greenfield Motorcycle Riders, Greenfield Music Store and Evangel Church organize the event, which takes place in the parking lot at Evangel Church, 1221 E. Main St.
“The first year was just a huge crowd. We actually didn’t have enough parking,” said Jody Ballenger, a leader of the motorcycle club and pastor of the church. “This year we almost doubled everything. We built a new parking lot just for Bike Fest.”
The large lot in back will become an arena, bordered by hay bales and flanked by bleachers. Last year a motorcycle stunt team performed; this year there will be two.
The increase Ballenger spoke of also applies to entertainment. Christian Terry, who appeared on “American Idol,” is back this year, and two other musical acts have been added. So have some Frontier Elite Wrestling matches.
A children’s area will feature bounce houses such as an obstacle course, “ax” throwing with a Velcro-tipped ax, and a basketball blowup. A large Connect Four-style game will be available to play.
Ice cream and caramel corn vendors will be selling refreshments near the children’s area. Twenty-seven vendors total will be set up for those who want to browse items for sale.
Greenfield Bike Fest concludes with a fireworks show.
There’s no admission charge, though people can buy food and other items from vendors. But those who go will see motorcycle stunts by Twinstunts and Ride4Life, along with wrestling, music and fireworks, for free.
Ballenger said that’s a big part of the event: free family-friendly fun. Many private donations and some business sponsorships provide the funds to put on the event.
“I know that right now it just seems like times are tough and things are super expensive,” he said. “I wanted to be able to provide free entertainment.”
BIKER CHURCH
Greenfield Bike Fest at 5 p.m. July 8 is a not-overtly-spiritual but family-friendly event. Anyone is welcome. A rider from Ride4Life motorcycle stunt team will talk about his Christian faith journey at some point during the event.
That same rider will speak in worship at Evangel Church on July 9. The church is dubbing that day’s theme “Biker Church.” The service begins at 10:15 a.m.
