SOUTHWICK – The One Call Away Foundation is hosting the 2nd Annual Bike Ride and Barbeque at Whalley Park on Saturday July 22.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the 70-mile bike ride leaves at 10:30 a.m. Riders will make a rest stop in Otis and are expected to return to Whalley Park at 2 p.m. with the barbeque scheduled at 2:30 p.m.
This is a family-style event with numerous activities, including a bounce house, face painting, pony rides, live music, dunk tank and raffle items. There will be a magic show at Noon and the National Guard sponsored BMX team will be doing a free show at 3 p.m.
It costs $20 in order to participate in the bike ride, $15 for a passenger, $10 just for the meal, and walk-ins are free.
Once people are done eating and socializing at the barbecue, the First Responder’s Appreciation Parade begins at 4 p.m. with the staging at 3 p.m. on 1 Hudson Dr.
The One Call Away Foundation will host two events at Whalley Park on July 22. (WNG File Photo)
Taking over for the usual Fireman’s Parade that had taken place annually in Southwick, this event is the first one in New England to have a parade for first responder’s.
Dave Sutton, who is the Founder of One Call Away, is certainly looking forward to the parade.
“It is pretty exciting,” said Sutton. “The best part about it is we got the ability to show honor where honor is due on a large scale.”
Starting from Hudson Drive, the parade will end at Whalley Park. Nearby communities are encouraged to send cruisers, motorcycles, and other equipment to put on display.
Sutton then mentioned that there will be about a dozen organizations that will have services to assist veterans.
One Call Away notes the importance of partnering with the organizations in order to have success at these events.
“I can’t, but we can,” said Sutton. “You can get a lot more accomplished (together).”
Organizations include Project New Hope out of Worcester, the Massachusetts National Guard, representatives from Veterans Affairs, members of veterans offices from surrounding communities, the American Legion, and more.
“All of this is designed to get all the information for veterans,” said Sutton. “It’s all about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) awareness.”
For more information on either of the events on July 22, visit the One Call Away Foundation Facebook page.
