As I write this it’s late March and the snow is finally gone. Well, at least most of it. After a good ol’ fashion maritime winter which saw record snowfalls in Moncton, the streets are more than ready to hear the “roar and rumble” of another bike season. That “roar and rumble” is expected to hit fever pitch in late June when the Moncton region plays host to Atlanticade 2008 from June 25th to 29th.
This will be year two for this motorcycle festival that many feel will quickly become the highlight of the motorcycle season in Atlantic Canada. However, organizers will need the cooperation of ‘Mother Nature,’ she didn’t seem so fond of last year’s event that was clouded (literally) by 5 days of rain and showers. Despite the inclement weather, participants from all four Atlantic Provinces, Ontario, Quebec and the New England States descended on this region of 100,000 residents ensuring the inaugural edition would be a success.
The festival itself did not disappoint as a wide variety of activities were spread over the 5 days. Atlanticade benefits from the support of the City of Moncton elected officials and staff which allows for a full day closure of the downtown Main Street section of the city. Open to motorcycles only, the downtown core allows bikers the opportunity to take in live entertainment, bike displays, vendors, fashion shows, show and shines and other related activities throughout the day.
In addition, there are regional scenic tours, breakfast events, veteran’s rally and parade, biker games, barbecues and more to keep everyone busy over the five days of the festival. Atlanticade 2008 will see the addition of the “Northeastern Custom Bike Building Championship” which is sanctioned by the International Masters Bike Builders Association (IMBBA). A showcase of regional custom painters will also be featured as part of the competition. Marc Mazerolle and members of the BMHS Bike Klub are coordinating this aspect of the festival. Proceeds generated from admission will be split between the Bike Klub and the Children’s Wish Foundation. Bob McKay, a native of Moncton prior to his moving to Ontario in the early 70’s, will be returning to his roots as the guest celebrity builder for the competition. Interest is growing within the custom builder community with somewhere between 10 – 15 builders taking part.
Like most other regions of the country, local and provincial tourism promoters are quickly realizing the potential spin-off in tourism dollars for motorcycle events such as this. “We now have the support and backing of the City of Moncton, neighboring towns of Riverview and Shediac along with the provincial tourism department” said Atlanicade chairman Dale Hicks. “We are making a concerted effort to promote the festival in other regions and we are expecting a great response for our 2008 event.”
The 2007 festival saw approximately 1,000 participants but organizers are expecting to see that number climb to the 5,000 level if the weather cooperates. There is no question this undertaking has the potential to become popular. Maritime hospitality is second to none, the lure of the Atlantic Ocean, seafood at it’s best, and plenty of world-class destination sights within an hour of Moncton that are sure to make for a great recipe for success.
Hicks recalls one story from the 2007 event which best illustrates this. “These four guys from the Ottawa area kept showing up at the activities throughout the five days. They ended up with 25 other bikers going down to Fundy National Park in the pouring rain. Once they got there, everyone was treated to a lobster dinner with all the trimmings.” Hicks continued, “To them that was the highlight of the trip and they couldn’t stop talking about the friendliness of everyone they encountered during their visit. They said they would definitely be back this year and bring along some friends.”
No doubt the word has been spreading as pre-registrations far outnumber those from last year, including a significant number from Ontario and Nova Scotia. Promotional booths at the 27th annual National Motorcycle Show in Toronto and the Biker Bash in Halifax have been key in getting out the word.
Moncton’s location as a central draw for the region was never more evident than back in February at the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council trade show held at the Moncton Coliseum – Agrena complex. This was the first ever attempt at hosting this show in the Maritimes and by all indications the response was beyond expectations and you can expect to see MMIC back in 2009.
The success of that show, which drew motorcycle enthusiasts from all over eastern Canada, certainly opened industry eyes as to the interest in this region of the country in respect to motorcycling. There is no doubt Atlanticade can benefit in the same fashion as it continues to grow over the next few years.
“We feel this region has been waiting for an event such as Atlanticade,” says Hicks. “In the past we had to head down to Americade or Laconia to take part in something like this. Now we have one in our own backyard, so to speak.”
Atlanticade is a non-profit organization with proceeds going to benefit kids and youth focused organizations. Last year the festival turned over $10,000 to the Children’s Wish Foundation. The Bike Klub has been added as a beneficiary for the 2008 festival.
So, if you’re looking to experience some maritime hospitality and stress free riding then Atlanticade sounds like a good bet. Registration is only $25 per participant. This will enable both riders and passengers alike to participate fully in the Festival. For more information you can check out www.atlanticade.ca.
