Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines

The 2024 edition of the Hogs for Hospice Motorcycle Rally will bring the streets of Leamington alive with visitors — many on motorcycles — and local residents this weekend.

The annual event promises to be as spectacular as past events as the weekend is highlighted by massive concerts on both Friday and Saturday nights. 

For an event that started with seven local motorcycle enthusiasts over a cup of coffee, the annual rally has developed into one of Southwestern Ontario’s premier fundraising events, with millions of dollars being donated to The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus over the years.

Joe Oswald — one of those seven original organizers and spokesman for the group — said it’s taken on a life of its own.

“I can’t believe it has been nine years. I have to be honest, we never saw it this far,” he said. “Our original vision was to raise funds and awareness for our local Hospice as well as showcasing our community that we all love. We never dreamed that H4H would turn into a movement and a true purpose for so many.”

Oswald went on to say that the community has been incredible in their support of the event.

“We wanted to build an event that our community would be proud of,” he added. “I believe in my heart that we have done that. Thank you for believing in us. We are so humbled by everyone’s love and support.”

The weekend will kick off with the Justin Moore concert on Friday, August 2. The country music star will hit the Sunset Amphitheatre stage after opening act Priscilla Block gets the crowd rocking.

New this year, the Hogs for Hospice Ribfest will begin at 5 pm Friday at Seacliff Park and run all weekend. 

The Kinsmen Club Beer Garden will also open at 5 pm Friday and run all weekend.

The famous Tour-The-Tip Ride will take place Saturday morning with pre-registration required. The spectacle of thousands of bikes making their way along Point Pelee Drive into the park is a sight to behold and many residents look forward to parking their cars along the route to cheer on the participants.

The Lions Club Pancake Breakfast also takes place Saturday and Sunday morning, beginning at 8 am.

Saturday night, Stone Temple Pilots headline on the Sunset stage with opening act Quiet Riot.

Of course, the annual favourites such as the FMX stunt riders on Seacliff Drive and the Sunday Bike Rodeo on Sunday afternoon always draw a crowd.

Road closures will be in effect from Friday through Sunday, with Seacliff Drive closed between Erie and Sherk, Forest Avenue, Conover between Stewart and Forest and the Lombardy Lane entrance to Seacliff Drive.

LT-Go on-demand transit services will have extended hours until 12:30 am on Friday, August 2, and Saturday, August 3 to accommodate attendees of the concert events.

Concert tickets and tickets for the annual Hogs for Hospice 50-50 Raffle are available by visiting hogsforhospice.com. The raffle prize is currently well over $170,000 at press time.