Annual motorcycle Toy Run takes a few new turns this year
| South Florida Sun-Sentinel
December 12, 2008
'Tis the season for the gigantic, rumbling motorcycle parade known as the Christmas Toys in the Sun Run, which rolls out this Sunday with the thunder of more than 30,000 bikes.
But this year, spectators who try to stake out spots along Interstate 595 as they have in the past will have to take their lawn chairs elsewhere. The Florida Highway Patrol will block all entrance and exit ramps to 595 to prevent motorists from parking. Too many parade-goers have come too close to being injured because of their proximity to the thousands of bikes, said Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky.
"I can't fathom them trying to stop it. This has been going on 20 years," said an incredulous Dave Amchir, Toy Run director. "It will be a first if they do."
The riders are slated to roll out at 10 a.m. from the Pompano Harness Track and head to Markham Park in Sunrise.
But with a sagging economy, organizers of the annual toy drive and hospital fundraiser wonder: Will there be enough goodwill this year to fill up Santa's bag?
"I started receiving calls from people who need help back in August," said Ralph Dean, director of the District 5 Fraternal Order of Police, which sorts the donated toys and distributes them to needy families. "Usually people don't start calling me until October."
The run, now in its 21st year, is put on by the South Florida Presidents Council, an umbrella organization of motorcycle clubs and associations.
To drum up more toys, 99 Walgreens stores in South Florida have agreed to donate one toy if a customer buys two, Amchir said.
The Toy Run also is a major fundraiser for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood.
Last year, the event raised nearly $600,000 for the hospital, but this year, cash donations are way down and vendors who donated services in previous years have backed out, Amchir said.
"It's the economy," Amchir said. "It's crushing."
Motorists should pay attention to signs along Interstate 95 because the first leg of the procession has been changed this year due to construction: Motorcycles leaving the harness track will head east on Race Track Road and then south on Andrews Avenue to reach Interstate 95. The southbound lanes of I-95 will be closed at Copans Road beginning at 10 a.m., along with the westbound lanes of I-595 at I-95.Activities at Markham Park include music, food and vendors. The theme has been changed from rock to country, with singer Mark Chesnutt headlining.
For more information, go to www.ToysInTheSunRun.com
