Port Alberni Toy Run chair David Wiwchar is hoping for a record-breaking number of motorcycles for the event's 40th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 14. It will also be Wiwchar's last year as chair.
"We're sticking with the tried and true," Wiwchar said of this year's event. "We might be introducing some new events during the bike games. Other than that we are sticking with the recipe for success."
This year's event is all about honouring the ride's history. Part of that includes acknowledging a tough loss in 2024.
Earlier this year the Toy Run lost a longtime member when Gerard Janssen died. For years, Janssen dressed up as Santa Claus and rode his bike through town. When he became too ill, someone else assumed the role.
"We'll be recognizing him and making some statements at the bike games and at Little Qualicum Falls," said Wiwchar. "He was a big part of Toy Run for a long time and he's definitely missed by me and all members this year.
"Gerard (a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for B.C.) was a very valuable member in terms of taking on bureaucrats and bureaucracy. When we faced hurdles from different ministries he was able to get us in with the right ministry and the right people so we could carry on."
This year's event suffered a setback on Labour Day weekend when a volunteer discovered someone had broken into the Toy Run's storage facility behind the Fall Fairgrounds and stole numerous power cords, propane tanks, coolers and other equipment. Wiwchar said the community quickly jumped to Toy Run's aid.
"The community definitely came forward when they heard about what happened. We're just getting started on the process of replacing items."
The Port Alberni Toy Run kicks off Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Motorcycles will leave the park and head west on Highway 4 at noon.
Riders will head down Johnston Road and turn left onto Gertrude Street, right onto Kingsway Avenue, right into Harbour Quay, around the fountain and up Argyle Street, left onto 10th Avenue, right onto Roger Street and left onto Vimy Street into Glenwood Centre.
"I'm always amazed at the crowds that come out and cheer on the riders," said Wiwchar. Riders that come in from all over the Pacific Northwest and Alberta always comment on it, he added.
"It's something that's definitely unique to Port Alberni Toy Run and it's magnificent to see the support we get each and every year."
Festivities such as children's games, adult motorcycle games, a beer garden and a show n' shine will start at 1 p.m. at Glenwood Centre (4480 Vimy St.). The dance and pig roast will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets to the dance will be sold at Little Qualicum Falls until the ride starts, then at Glenwood Centre to the general public.
A poker run is planned for Sunday, Sept. 15. For more information, go online to portalbernitoyrun.ca.
For the first time in more than five years, Barnes Harley-Davidson will be bringing new bikes to showcase in the show n' shine. They are even bringing in one of their top sales people from Toronto. "We are Western Canada's largest Toy Run now," said Wiwchar.
Tom Wall has been Wiwchar's first vice chair for the past 14 years. He will also retire after this year's Toy Run, although he said he will still be involved. "Tom has been my right-hand man since Day 1," Wiwchar said. "So we're retiring as a team."
Wall, who has been riding in the Toy Run for 33 years, says the camaraderie is one thing that kept him coming back year after year. He became a member of the club 27 years ago.
Len Bodaly has been riding in the Toy Run for 30 years. He also said the camaraderie within the group is special.
"It's great to see this group of friends," he said. "It's a lot of fun."
Bodaly wants to thank all the businesses that have supported Toy Run over the years with donations. "Small prizes, big prizes, big thank yous."
Greg Philpott has been riding in the Toy Run for all 40 years: he is the longest-running member of the service group. "It's special to have all these people that we have, compared to all the other service groups in town," he said.
He stays for the kids. "Putting out the toys for kids, it's just been great."
