Oklahoma Biker - The Riders Ragazine Sept - Oct 2017 | Page 30

BIKES, BLUES & BBQ
ARKANSAS’ BEST BIKER EVENT
It was just a few years ago when Bikes
Blues and BBQ didn’t even have a
name; it was just a poker run with a
BBQ grill, a blues band, and a handful
of bikes at a Dickson Street Jose’s
Mexican restaurant. Then it became
America’s fastest growing rally, and
then the world’s largest charity rally, and
now suddenly, it’s been 18 years.
Bikers come from all over and fill every
hotel and motel with in a 30+ mile radi-
us. Others decide to camp all weekend
regardless of primitive conditions.
tember 20-23. People generally book
their rooms a year in advance so if you
can’t get a hotel, the event is only a few
hours away from Tulsa. Many bikers
show their support, even if it’s just for
the day.
If you have never attended Bikes,
Blues, and Barbecue, I highly recom-
mend it. While you are there, purchase
an event tee shirt. Every time you wear
it, no doubt someone will engage in
conversation with you sharing their own
personal memories.
At BB&B you can expect a parade, a
For event schedules and more infor-
bike show, bike give-a-ways, the BBB
mation visit the official website at www.
Babes contest, incredible barbecue, of BikesBlues&BBQ.org
course, along with several other offi-
cial and non-official events. The party
seems to never end and really comes
alive at night on Dickson Street. Live
bands take turns playing amazing music
all the way to Eureka Springs.
Last year a record of $230,000 was
raised for local charities despite a slight
decline in attendance. Normal atten-
dance is between 350,000 and 400,000
although it’s nearly impossible to cal-
culate the actual numbers since it has
become so popular and widespread.
BB & B has been going strong since
2000 and takes place every year,
usually the last weekend of September.
This year the rally date is set for Sep-
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