Local motorcycle enthusiasts are ready to show off Muskogee this weekend during “Ride for the Vets.”

The motorcycle rally is a fundraiser for veterans and is hosted by the city of Muskogee and the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. Events start at 9 a.m. at the Muskogee Civic Center.

Darryl Brown likes to attend motorcycle events all over. He’s glad Muskogee now has the chance to host one. Thousands are expected to descend upon Muskogee.

Organizers plan for the event to be held annually.

“It’s a chance to gather and get to meet different folks,” Brown said. “And it’s for a good cause.”

The purpose of the rally is to raise awareness and donations for the needs of veterans who get their care at the VA Medical Center in Muskogee and its outpatient clinics in eastern Oklahoma. Coordinated by the VA’s Voluntary Service, funds raised will be used to purchase items such as non-slip socks, under garments, hygiene kits and transportation for veterans.

The event is free to attend.  (with varying entry fees), including a bug bull’s-eye, a burnout, a slow ride, a scavenger ride and a tattoo contest. Of course, the main event is the motorcycle show itself.

A commemorative $15 T-shirt also is planned, featuring “Welcome to Muskogee” on the front and “Kick Asphalt” on the back, designed by Muskogee High School 17-year-old student Macy Lynn. The first 50 from outside Muskogee get a free shirt, event organizer Cassandra Gaines said.

Gaines said the response to the event was much larger than she anticipated. There is so much interest, she’s already planning a Women Who Care event in October for breast cancer awareness.

“The beauty of all this is people are coming in groups,” Gaines said. “It has exploded. We’re going to have a wang dang doodle good time.”

Edwin Adkins said the event will have a big impact on Muskogee. He also attends motorcycle events out of state and is pleased Muskogee is hosting one.

“This will let people see the good about Muskogee,” Adkins said.

Sheila Hendryx hopes the event will shed traditional stereotypes about bikers.

“Bikers in general will benefit from this event,” Hendryx said. “We’re not a stereotype. We’re normal  people. Everyday people.”

Despite being a motorcycle enthusiast “all my life,” Muskogee Emergency Management Director Jimmy Moore said this will the first motorcycle rally he will attend.

“I’m proud to be a part of it and do things for people who have laid their lives down for us,” Moore said. “I expect a great time and think this will be a great thing for Muskogee.”

Lifelong Muskogee resident Russ Andis said Muskogee has never hosted an event like this.

“It’s fun to get the guys out and ride together,” Andis said. “It’s for a good cause. We’re taking care of people who took care of us. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do stuff like this.”

Reach Mike Carrels at (918) 684-2922 or mcarrels@muskogeephoenix.com.