Local News

Sebring to have rockin' October

Photos

JOE SEELIG
Published: September 29, 2012

SEBRING - The month of October is jam-packed, starting with the ninth annual Run to the Heartland on Oct. 5-7, presented by the Heartland Riders Association, Inc., in downtown Sebring.

Lora Todd, marketing director for the Heartland Riders Association, released a tentative schedule of events Wednesday, adding they're going back to their roots.

"Jerry 'the Motorman' Paladino was with us for the first couple of years we had the Run to the Heartland," she said, with his "Ride like a Pro" demonstration.

"He's had a conflict the last couple of years so we contacted him early this year and he's going to be able to come back with us. He shows you proper riding techniques. It's sort of an educational demonstration and he mixes some humor in there."

The World Champion Motorcycle Drill Team will also have shows, she said.

Thunder the American bald eagle will be there for photos to benefit Wrede's Wildlife Sanctuary.

The public is invited to join the city of Sebring as it celebrates its centennial year with its theme, 100 years of motorcycling.

The Famous Flores Family, of "America's Got Talent" fame, will entertain the crowd.

"They're in this big steel ball," Todd said. "The kids get on their little motorcycles, their little Hondas, and they ride around their parents who are standing while they do these tricks. They'll have an autograph session … with the public.

"We're also paying for anybody who brings their children down to the Children's Museum, just for that weekend."

The event will feature live music with the Power Surge band, the Shannon Reed Band, the Ransom band and Spirit Wind; also they'll have the Born to Ride Bike show and a Vintage Bike show, plus motorcycle demonstrations, bike builders, vendors, a 100-mile Poker Run, food, beer and free parking.

Join the fun from 5 to 8 p.m. for trick or treating, costume contests, kids activities and more. For more details, visit www.DestinationDowntownSebring.com.

This year's featured artist is Rush of Fools, said Adam Martin, concert organizer. The opening act for this free concert is Justus Martin, added Dee Andrews.

This year's guest speaker is Dustin Woods, she said.

Woods is the youth pastor at Grace Bible Church and is also known as the lead singer for the band, Love Like Gravity, which performed in 2009. Preshow music will be provided by DQuick and Michi. The concert is sponsored by members of the community, hosted by Circle of Truth Ministries. Visit www.circleoftruthministries.org or call (863) 471-2228 for details.

Visit www.facebook.com/SebringCentennial.

jseelig@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5834