LADIES AND GENTLEMEN … START YOUR ENGINES!
7th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Run
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Official Kickoff for the 90th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week!
Laconia, NH — What started as a party and ride as a memorial tribute to deceased community leader Peter Makris, has 7 years later, turned into an important fundraiser for the Laconia Fire Department and the Easter Seals NH “Veterans Count” program which aids active military and families, before, during and after deployment. To date, the ride has raised over $185,000.
In Laconia, it is all about “The Ride,” so the Peter Makris Memorial Run starts Motorcycle week out right, providing hundreds of bikers an unusual opportunity to see all of the scenic lake without stop lights and traffic, thanks to the support of the State and local police. Saturday morning at 11 AM promptly–kick stands up! The Peter Makris Memorial Run celebrates the Rally’s 90th year and is again proud to raise the annual private funding needed for the Water Rescue Unit-an essential part of the services of the Laconia Fire Department. “Our 78-year old resort sits on this 70-acre lake which is the center of our bustling recreational community,” says Cynthia Makris, President of the family-owned NASWA Resort and also of Laconia Motorcycle Week. “We recognize the importance of the Lake and the safety of those who enjoy it, and we are proud to support Fire Chief Ken Erikson and his ongoing efforts to develop his Water Rescue Team to serve and protect our residents and visitors.” The Peter Makris Memorial Fund has also added the Easter Seals New Hampshire, “Veterans Count” program as a beneficiary, to commemorate Makris’ service as a US Marine as the program assists returning servicemen and women and their families. Peter Makris was also instrumental in purchasing the original boat for the Laconia Fire Department Water Rescue team, so the event has particular significance since the city does not provide funding for this aspect of the Department’s services.
Registration, breakfast and line-up starts at the NAZBar & Grill, the Resort’s lakefront hot spot. Commemorative t-shirts with a logo designed by Harley Davidson artist, David Uhl, are included, along with a luncheon buffet, live music and all-day fun-filled party. A patriotic kick off with the Singing Trooper, Sgt. Dan Clark will start hearts pounding, followed by the blessing of the bikes.
When the run returns to the NASWA, the NAZBar & Grill rocks!
NEW This year! The Lakes Region Community College Culinary Arts Department will add a new twist to the bountiful lunch buffet. “We are enthused to be involved in the community and look forward to continuing the tradition of delicious and well-prepared food at the Peter Makris Memorial event!” says Patrick Hall, Program Coordinator. Specially prepared items will accompany the grill stations with the assistance of sponsor, InFusion Sales Group, a food service provider. Live music, raffles, “spirited” promotions and a silent auction create a full-out “Biker Boogie” with an option for guests to roll up their jeans and cool their toes in the Lake-with the Bruce Marshall Band-a favorite of the event–providing the live entertainment all afternoon.
Live music, BBQ buffet, raffles, “spirited” promotions and a silent auction create a full-out “Biker Boogie” with an option for guests to roll up their jeans and cool their toes in the Lake-with the Bruce Marshall Band –-a favorite of the event–providing the live entertainment all afternoon.
NEW this year! CASH Prizes will be awarded to the OLDEST BIKE, the OLDEST RIDER and the RIDER WHO TRAVELED THE FURTHEST!
Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure entrance to the buffets and if booking at the NASWA, you’re already “home”-but don’t wait or you might miss the ride! VIP “front of pack” registration is also available. Call 888-55-NASWA, 603-366-4341 or click PETER MAKRIS RUN REGISTRATION
Schedule:
8:30 – 10:30 AM Breakfast and Registration
NASWA Resort (1086 Weirs Blvd, Laconia–downstairs at the NazBar & Grill) to receive arm bands, collectable T-shirt (designed by Harley Davidson licensed artist, David Uhl), drink chip and buffet continental breakfast. (Bikes gather at parking lot across the street, upper level; boats at NASWA docks.)
10:30 – 11:00 Opening Ceremonies
Including Sgt. Dan Clark, the Singing Trooper who returns this year to lend his goose-bump inspiring voice and kicking off the run in amazing style. The Blessing of the bikes will also happen during opening ceremonies and then Kickstands UP promptly at 11:00!
11:00 ’til 1:00 – Bikes are escorted by State Police and an antique fire truck for a “feet up” ride around Lake Winnipesaukee and return to NazBar & Grill. Priority docking for VIP & sponsors priority parking for VIP & sponsor bikes
1:30-2:30 PM – Buffet Gourmet Lunch for participants – live music by the Bruce Marshall Band, Promo Girls, silent auction for collectibles and treasures, Budweiser, promotions and giveaways! Drawings and raffles for Prizes!
The Party Rolls On and continues into the night!
Registration:
Early-bird, discounted registration, up to May 25, is available at NASWA Resort or online (through June 4) at www.naswa.com/peter_makris.htm, or by calling 603-366-4341. Onsite, event-day registration is $55. VIP Registration is $75 to run front of the pack and receive reserved parking or docking, plus a $10 NASWA Gift Card.
Funds raised from the this event have continued the funding Makris helped start in 2004 when the Laconia Fire Department had no water rescue unit–which it direly needed to help safety efforts on the 70-acre lake. After the death of Mark Miller, a local paramedic who was attempting a rescue, Makris stepped to the plate with a $5,000 check and asked his fellow businesses around active Lake Winnipesaukee to do the same. Because of those early efforts, Laconia Fire Department has been a force in maintaining the safety of the Lakes Region.
The Easter Seals NH Veterans Count Program was added as a beneficiary as Makris was a US Marine veteran, sensitive to the growing needs of today’s US servicemen and their families.
Donations of raffle prizes, silent auction donations are welcomed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 603-366-4341, or visit www.naswa.com, www.naswa.com/peter_makris.htm or see the NASWA Resort on Facebook.