A new car and motorcycle show aimed at supporting animal rescue efforts is coming to McLean County on Saturday, bringing together vehicle enthusiasts, local vendors, food trucks, and adoptable pets for a family-friendly fundraiser.
The Car & Motorcycle Show, hosted by Brothers of Ares MC Vet/FR and Island Cycle Workz, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6 at Island Cycle Workz, located at 500 Adams Ave. in Island, just off US 431. Proceeds from the event will benefit Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky (SparKY).
Tonya Burdette, who operates SparKY, said the organization has worked with Brothers of Ares for nearly a decade through various fundraising rides and community events.
“They raise money for charities a lot, they do a lot of charity runs,” Burdette said. “They’ve always been very supportive of what we do.”
The idea for the show grew out of a partnership formed last year when a SparKY fundraising ride began at Island Cycle Workz. Burdette said the motorcycle shop’s owners expressed interest in creating a larger event that would benefit the rescue organization while bringing people together in the community.
Participants can enter either a vehicle or a motorcycle in the show for a $15 fee. Judging categories include modern, vintage, and antique classes for both automobiles and motorcycles. First-, second-, and third-place ribbons will be awarded in each category, while trophies will be presented to the top overall automobile and top overall motorcycle.
A half-pot raffle will also be held during the event, with the winner receiving half of the total proceeds collected through ticket sales.
Burdette said the event will feature food trucks, including Primal Craft Dogs and Upper Grill, as well as a craft show. Organizers are continuing to seek vendors interested in participating.
In addition to fundraising, the event will serve as an opportunity to showcase animals currently available for adoption through SparKY.
“There will be animals there to be adopted that day as well,” Burdette said. “We’re really excited about this event. We’ve been trying to do some different things, bring people aware of what we do, and also to introduce people to our animals available for adoption.”
Burdette said organizers hope the event becomes an annual tradition.
“We hope this to be a yearly event,” she said. “We’re super excited about being able to do this and bring it to a small town.”
Bethany Shultz of Island Cycle Workz said the business was eager to partner with SparKY because of its commitment to helping animals in need.
Last year, the business worked with the rescue organization during a fundraising ride, and the experience inspired owners to become more involved.
“We’re animal lovers, we all have our own pets, and we want to see all pets have a chance and all animals have a chance,” Shultz said.
Now in its fourth year of operation, Island Cycle Workz offers motorcycle repair services, parts, riding gear, oils, and accessories.
Shultz said organizers have designed the event to appeal to a wide audience.
“We’re going to have a little bit of everything for everyone,” she said. “It’s definitely going to be family-friendly.”
In addition to helping SparKY raise funds, Shultz said the event will provide exposure for local vendors and businesses while introducing new visitors to the Island community.
“It’s going to be a great event for not only us, but it’s going to be something good for the animals, too,” she said.
Those interested in becoming craft vendors can find registration information through SparKY’s website or by contacting the organization directly. Organizers say ample parking will be available throughout the area surrounding Island Cycle Workz.
