Back in 1982, members of the Bikers Who Care held the very first Leslie W. Watson Memorial Toy Run as a way to show respect for Watson’s memory and the kindness he showed others.
The idea was that all participants would buy a toy and donate it to the Clarksville Fire Department for their Christmas toy drive.
That first year, about 100 motorcycles showed up.
After the Toy Run, those riders held a party. They soon realized that if they made the party a part of the Toy Run, they could raise money that could be donated to a worthy cause, just as “Les” would have done.
Bikers Who Care, an organization of motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to supporting the Dream Factory by fully sponsoring Camp Rainbow, a summer camp for seriously ill children, is committed to continuing the Toy Run, over 40 years later.
This year’s Toy Run and Party
The 41st annual Leslie W. Watson Memorial Toy Run and Benefit Party will be Sept. 16-18 at the Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds.
The Toy Run will be Saturday, Sept. 17, with lineup at noon at the Speedway, leaving at 1 p.m. for Governor’s Square Mall. Admission for the Toy Run is one toy or cash donation per person.
The party will be all weekend, and with all makes of motorcycles welcome.
Featured performers include Jeffrey Steele and Corey Farlow, plus AC/ZZ, Lone Watie, NightMasters, Ballistic Pintos, Music City Burlesque and KatWalk Entertainment.
In addition to the live music, attendees can enjoy a tattoo contest, bike show, field events, a swap meet, $10 bottomless drafts, bikini contests and drag races.
Tickets and more
Tickets are $35 online in advance for all three days. Tickets at the gate will be $40 plus any camping fee.
Camping for motorcycles is free. It’s $25 per RV or camper, or $10 per car or truck.
A few rules for the weekend: No golf carts and no ATVs. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Leave your pets and attitudes at home.
Gates open Friday at noon.
The event is sponsored by Thunder Roads Magazine of Tennessee/Kentucky, Tri Star Beverage and Appleton Harley-Davidson Buell.
For tickets and more information, go to bikerswhocare.ticketleap.com/bwctoyrun22.