100s of bikers coming to town

St. Martinville — There could come a time when this town is known for a big annual family-friendly motorcycle rally along with its historic oak, Mardi Gras parade, Pepper Festival and, of course, butchering a pig.

The test will come in April, when the local Rough Riders Motorcycle Club hosts an event its members predict will draw 500 bikers from as far away as the Great Smoky Mountains.

The City Council last week gave a preliminary green light for the club to hold a motorcycle rally in Adam Carlson Park from April 11-13.

Final approval is pending security arrangements, but the organizers, Greg LeBlanc and Larry LeBlanc, said crowds at similar rallies they have attended elsewhere have been very well-behaved.

Events include games like a sack race, egg toss and tug-o-war, a Saturday dance, and a motorcycle show.

The Rough Riders hosted a rally in Lafayette last year. Greg LeBlanc told the club would prefer to bring the crowds, most of whom bring travel trailers or motor homes, to St. Martinville.

The council wholeheartedly agreed.

“It’s worth money to us to bring something like that to St. Martinville,” said Councilman Craig Prosper.