May 14- 16, 2010

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The blessing is organized by the Para-Dice Motorcycle Club of Grand Rapids. This event raises money with proceeds from the Blessing going to the St. Ann's Senior Nutrition Program, which the gate proceeds go. The "Blessing" which started in 1972, had 4 bikes and 8 riders who gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church in Baldwin, MI and received a blessing for a safe and happy riding season. Now, thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gather in Lake County. Organizers said the 2003 crowd tripled from 2002, who gathered under sunny skies while 2002 saw light snow. Less than half an hour before the Blessing was to begin, Sheriff Bob Hilts received a report from his deputies that, "there are still bikes lined up all the way to the county line," five miles south of the Baldwin Municipal Airport. Opening both the south and north gates to the airport, two abreast, the bikes stream in for a blessing.

Oldest rider at the 2003 event was Chet Wiage, his 82-year old wife, Helen, rode as his passenger. Wiage has attended nearly every Blessing.

Though "The General" has won a lot of the Blessing's, "Oldest Mototcycle" awards and is a fixture at the event, 2003 saw a new winner: the "Oldest Motorcycle" award went to a beautifully restored, 1934 Indian Scout.

There is no award for "Strangest Motorcycle", but if there was, Idlewild's Joe Lindsey, with his maize and blue Thai taxicab would be alikely candidate. :-)

Music from biker/musicians hailing from Scottville, Greenville, and Six Lakes have rocked the crowd for nearly four hours, playing a variety of rock standards for an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd.

This wholesome family oriented happening is held every year on the third Sunday in May.

Thank you to all who attend and make this event one to remember! :-)

What is Multi-Colored, Black, Chrome and Sounds Like Thunder???