Beautiful day for Blessing of the Bikes

By Deanna Bertrand

KINGSVILLE — You may have seen many motorcycles out for a ride on Sunday, June 6 with the annual Hogs for Hospice Blessing of the Bikes. The event, held in partnership with the First Lutheran Church in Kingsville, ran from 11-1 p.m. at the church located on Spruce Street.

“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Blessing of the Bikes included fellowship, bands and a barbecue,” said Rick Dawson, technical and communication leader for the church, “but for the second year in a row, it was scaled down to a drive-thru blessing and ride.”

According to Dawson, the church has partnered with Hogs for Hospice for the past five years, coming on board one year after its inception.

Hogs for Hospice concert and events coordinator Joe Oswald said he expected to see anywhere between 300-500 bikes proceed through the procession for the annual blessing by Pastor Dusan Tillinger.

Riders were also given a small wooden cross from the church to hang on their bikes.

According to Pastor Dusan, the crosses were made from Olive Wood, which actually came from Jerusalem.

Oswald said an official press release will be coming out soon in regards to this year’s Hogs for Hospice event.

Hogs for Hospice is a three-day motorcycle rally to raise awareness and funds for Erie Shores Hospice. It has raised over $1 million.

The annual Hogs for Hospice Blessing of the Bikes was held Sunday, June 6 at the First Lutheran Church in Kingsville. In the top photo, a biking enthusiast pulls away from the blessing tent. In the bottom photo, Pastor Dusan Tillinger blesses a couple on their motorcycle.