Bikers on the Bayou marks anniversary of 'Easy Rider'

The St Mary Chamber of Commerce and Cajun Coast Visitors Bureau will host a new event, “Bikers on the Bayou," Sunday at Teche Drive on the Bayou in Franklin.
This event celebrates the upcoming 50th year anniversary of the filming of the iconic movie, "Easy Rider©," that starred Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson. The movie includes many scenes throughout St. Mary Parish. This low-budget counterculture smash hit follows the main characters on a journey from California to Louisiana. The movie was released July 14, 1969.
Many activities are planned throughout the day for visitors and motorcyclists to St. Mary Parish. They include:
--Music, food, beverages and Fun noon-4 p.m. behind the courthouse featuring the local band, Low Down.
—Teche Theatre will offer a viewing of the local scenes from the "Easy Rider" noon-4 p.m. with Teche Theatre showing the entire movie at 4 p.m. for interested guests.
—Car, Motorcycle and Rat Rod Show noon-2:30 p.m. behind the Blevins Building. Registration begins at 11 a.m.
—Belles on the Bayou is sponsored by Arlington Plantation House and Gardens 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit one of the iconic plantation homes featured in the movie.
The Cajun Coast Visitors Bureau has created an "Easy Riding on the Bayou" brochure that offers a map of the route and details of the area locations and cenes that were featured in the movie. The brochure will be available online at their website, www.cajuncoast.com for visitors to download. "he Easy Riding on the Bayou? brochure will also be sent to surrounding welcome centers.
“We are fortunate that many of the locations in St. Mary Parish from the iconic movie, "Easy Rider," have been preserved after almost 50 years,’ said Patrice Williams, Chamber board member and event chairman. “Franklin is a beautiful small town and we want to invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely ride through St. Mary Parish not only for this event but throughout the year.
"We know they will want to stay a while to enjoy our shops, restaurants, motels and all that we have to offer visitors.”
“There is a large weekend warrior motorcycle target audience and we are optimistic that this event will continue to grow," said Jo Anne Bergeron, chairman of the St Mary Chamber of Commerce Board.
"The response has been great. We are marketing the event via all media sources and social media through-out Louisiana and beyond. Tune in for more details as the date gets closer."
"I’m looking forward to a great day in downtown Franklin by the Bayou. Come out and mingle with our visitors and local leadership,” said Donna Meyers, president, St. Mary Chamber of Commerce.
There are opportunities for local businesses and organizations to support this event and get involved. Sponsorships are welcomed and available in many levels.
Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to help with all the activities on July 15th. For more information, please call the Chamber office at 337-384-3830.
Also taking place that same weekend is the Annual Bayou Bar B Que Bash also sponsored by St. Mary Chamber of Commerce. The Bayou Bar B Que Bash is located in Morgan City under the overpass. This three-day event kicks off with a “Kick Off” party at The Hampton Inn & Suites in Morgan City at 6:00pm on Thursday, July 12th; followed by Music, Food Booths, Arts & Crafts Booths and much more featured on Friday, July 13th and Saturday, July 14th. Music will be provided Friday evening by Ruff n Ready from 6:00 – 10:00pm and De Ja Vu on Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00pm. The Bayou Bar B Que Bash winners will be announced at 5:00pm on Saturday. Also at this time Klutts Jewelers, located in Morgan City will present the 10K gold custom ring to the winner.