Boswell’s H-D Toy Parade – By Cooper Chilton

Boswell’s H-D Toy Parade

‘Tis the season of toy parades, open houses, parties, family gatherings, and helping the less fortunate. One major annual event is the Boswell’s Toy Parade, held on November 6th. The morning started out really cold, but by the 9am lineup time it was getting warm. Just enough chill in the air to keep Santa comfortable in his suit and get the riders into the Christmas spirit. Speaking of the Santa suit, each year many more riders opt to dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, and even the Grinch. Many of the bikes are also colorfully decorated all in the spirit of the season. Steve Welch and Stacie Ludford were fine stand-ins for Santa and Mrs. Claus to lead the parade.

This year over 1,200 bikes met at the Sounds Stadium, paraded down the crowded Nashville Broadway and attended the after party at Scoreboard near Opryland. This broke all records for this event. Scoreboard provided an all you can eat seafood buffet, including everything from fish and shrimp to crab legs for $25. Live music was provided by Ceron Mays. The police were on hand and sold almost all of the commemorative t-shirts and hoodies available. In addition to those sales, the ride itself raised over $30,000, plus a truckload of toys to provide toys and food for needy Nashville families. These families are nominated by the officers in the area based on their knowledge of the neighborhoods.

Support for this event is not limited to the local Boswell’s customers. The MC’s members, independent riders of all makes, HOG clubs, military riders, and even the riders from Music City Indian Motorcycles attended the event. Money was even collected by volunteers from the many folks on Broadway who were enjoying the show.

Boswell’s donated a 2012 Sportster 72 Screamin’ Eagle Stage 4 to be given away to one lucky participant. I really was afraid that the lucky winner, Claudia Rourk, was going to pass out as she was waiting for the final number to be called. She was one lucky and happy lady.

This was a great event and we appreciate all that the dealers, clubs, and organizations do to promote joy all year long. Many thanks to Boswell’s H-D, Gary Bagwell, Dan Pesce and his many volunteers, Boswell’s HOG Clubs, Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen for opening its doors to the participants for breakfast and Bloody Mary’s, Scoreboard, Metro Police, and all of the participants for making this event a great success! And to my sweet wife, Judy, for loaning me her bike for the race to Broadway and Scoreboard for photos when my battery died at the starting line.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Ride Safe and Have Fun!! Cooper