| Last December, Brian Jackson and the crew from Corbin's Ride On braved the elements and headed to the windy city of Chicago , Illinois , for the 26 th Annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. Come rain, snow, or just downright freezing weather, The Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade always takes place on the first Sunday in December. The parade begins at Dan Ryan Woods and covers some 17 miles! After he arrived, Brian met with Robert Kuczera, Vice-President and P.R. Director of the event who told him that the parade started in 1978 with a grand total of six people and one motorcycle. Led by Vietnam Veteran, Ed "Animal" Wisniewski, Ed and his friends delivered a van half-filled with toys to the Toys for Tots Campaign. Today the event has grown beyond compare and Robert went on to say that this year they expect 20,000 to 25,000 motorcycles in attendance. And while the weather was a chilly 25-30 degrees, that didn't slow the turnout nor stop the participants from decorating themselves and their motorcycles in the spirit of the season! Robert also said that the parade is an important part of Chicago 's Christmas tradition and that it takes hundreds of volunteers and months of planning to ensure that it all comes off without a hitch. Brian also spoke with Marine Lt. Col. James Huston who told him that the Toys for Tots Campaign began in 1948 and that it was a nationwide program. Many of the participants in the parade echoed that sentiment as they focused on the real issue-those children who would receive toys at Christmas. Concerning Chicago 's dedication and commitment to the event, one rider said, "It's a great cause and a great city," and according to the rally website, "The Parade welcomes all motorcyclists, provided they bring one toy to donate to the Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Program; however, non-riders are also welcome!"
There were some unbelievable bikes and riders for that matter and when the parade began, Santa Claus was leading the way! Brian was fortunate to enough to borrow a Harley-Davidson V-Rod from Oaklawn Harley-Davidson and went on the route himself. He said that the street was lined with spectators throughout and that everyone wished them well! The parade route took about 90 minutes to complete. By the end of the afternoon, more than 40,000 Chicagoland riders had donated more than 100,000 toys, and had raised almost one-half million dollars through the sales of commemorative toys and ornaments! What a great event for such a worthwhile cause! As previously written, the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is held in the first Sunday in December. If you would like more information on this year's event, you can give them a call at 773-866-TOYS, or visit them on the web at www.chicagolandtft.org . That's it from a chilly ride in Chicago , so until our next ride, "Keep the shiny side up and Ride On!"
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