Blessing of Bikes draws 400-plus

By Deanna Bertrand

KINGSVILLE — Hogs For Hospice is back — or more specifically — Back In the Saddle for 2022.

They officially kicked things off this past weekend with the annual Blessing of the Bikes.

Concerts and events coordinator Joe Oswald estimated between 400 and 500 motorcycles and their riders were in attendance for the event held at Kingsville First Lutheran Church Sunday, May 1.

Due to pandemic restrictions, last year’s blessing saw bikers ride through, with a rolling stop by a tent where Pastor Dusan Tillinger gave the blessing, but this year it was full throttle for event planners.

Bikes were parked and riders were able to greet each other and enjoy free food, music and fellowship.

Volunteer Steve Burton hands out crosses and stickers commemorating the Blessingof the Bikes 2022 to four-year-old Zeke Turner, right, and his seven-year-old brother Reggie.

SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand

“Today is really about the safety of the riders,” said Oswald, “to have a safe riding season.”

He also thanked the church and its members for their continued support for the past five years.

Riders observed a moment of silence for those lives lost before Pastor Tillinger led in prayer, asking for a blessing of the riders this season.

The H4H three-day motorcycle rally runs July 29, 30 and 31 at Leamington’s Seacliff Park. It serves as a fundraiser for Erie Shores Hospice and has raised over $1 million in the past four years.

H4H recently announced its concert lineup. Headliners are rock band The Cult on Friday night and country music’s Brett Young on Saturday night.