Organizers cancel ‘Blessing of the Bikes’ due to threats
In Holland, Michigan, the annual Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes event kicks off the riding season every spring to keep riders safe throughout the year. However, this year’s event, scheduled for April 28, was canceled because of safety concerns.
“Over the years, we have weathered rain, sleet, snow, COVID-19, but gun violence toward any of our guests is not acceptable,” organizers said on its Facebook page.
By noon on Friday, organizers announced the event would be called off on Sunday. Later, the event’s Facebook page stated the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office was informed by the FBI of a credible risk of violence at the event.
The event usually welcomes large groups of bikers to the Ottawa County fairgrounds in Holland, Michigan, and has endured many challenges over the years, including rain, snow, and Covid, but the organizers say that gun violence toward any of their guests is unacceptable and, therefore, out of an abundance of caution, called it off.
The event has helped raise more than $200,000 for West Michigan charities over the past 21 years, according to the organizers.
The organizers hope to hold the event with no issues next year and to celebrate warmer weather returning and a safe start to the riding season once again.
