GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Gladstone American Legion has wrapped up another summer of fun and charity.
On Thursday, the Post 71 Legion Riders hosted their fourth and final Hot Rods & Harleys event of the summer. Currently held outside the Gladstone post, the cruise night series originated in Rapid River.
“They couldn’t get enough help, so they approached us about taking it over,” explained Post 71 Legion Riders Director Jon Van Brocklin. “The Legion Riders started during COVID and then kind of fell apart like everything else did. We started it again, and now we’re up to about 22 members. It’s a good time.”
Both legion and community members showed off their classic cars and motorcycles. Guests checked out the vehicles while enjoying live music, food, prize drawings, and raffles. Roughly 50 cars and 50 bikes turned out for each of this summer’s events.
In addition to providing attendees with a good time, Hot Rods & Harleys Cruise Nights support several good causes. Proceeds from the events will go to the U.P. Honor Fight, Bay Cliff Health Camp, scholarships for Gladstone students, and Wheelin’ Sportsmen, an organization that helps veterans and people with impaired mobility go hunting.
“Last year, we averaged about $2,300 for each group,” Van Brocklin said. “This year, we’re way ahead. I meant, it’s not one person. It’s a group, you know? We all did it together. A lot of the wives, they’ve got a lot of volunteers helping in the kitchen and selling tickets. It’s one big, happy family.”
Although Hot Rods & Harleys has ended for the year, the American Legion will continue to host monthly steak feeds and Taco Tuesday nights. To stay up to date on upcoming events, follow the Gladstone American Legion Facebook Page.
The American Legion Riders are always looking for new members. To learn more about the group, click here.
