Officals predict 2008 Habitat bike ride, car show will be bigger, better

Several older model vehicles are lined up during last year's Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride & Car Show at Deer Track Farms. This year's event will be held at the Cherokee Shrine Club. While planning for last year's inaugural Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride & Car Show, local executive director Christa Smith already was looking years down the road in belief the event could become a major part of Cherokee County's late Spring calendar

"We hoped to attract as many people to not only help our organization but also to have a good time," Smith said. "The goal was not to hold the motorcycle ride and car show only one time. We wanted it to become an annual event that local residents can expect some time late in the Spring."

Last year's event attracted approximately 70 motorcycle riders and good representation from classic car enthusiasts. Habitat is expecting a larger turnout for this year's event, which is scheduled for June 7.

The ride and car show is a fundraiser for the local Habitat affiliate to assist in building homes in its Hope Acres subdivision on Saratt Street. Five homes are under construction with completion expected by the end of June.

Houses are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Selected homeowners pay for their own home, along with conributing 300 hours of "sweat equity" to the project.

To be able to pay for the new homes, however, Habitat must depend on donors.

"I want this to be an event for everyone in Cherokee County," Smith said. "But our main goal is to assist in raising money to help build homes for families less fortunate. I believe this event is a way for not only motorcycle riders and car show enthusiasts to get involved, but also the rest of the community."

Smith said the group has set a goal of between 150 to 200 riders while hoping to raise at least $10,000.

Attendees of last year's event will see a visible difference in this year's edition. Habitat has changed the route, leading participants to the car show's new location at the Cherokee Shrine Club.

Last year's car show was held at Deer Track Farms.

Though things have been smooth so far for Smith and others organizing the event, they are keeping their fingers crossed that Mother Nature will cooperate.

"We are just hoping to have good weather so people can have a good time while also helping others," Smith said.

Registration for the ride will begin at 9 a.m. at Gaffney Middle School, with participants leaving the school at 10 a.m. The entry fee for partici-