Get ready for 'Bikers on the Bayou'

The St Mary Chamber of Commerce and Cajun Coast Visitors Bureau will host a new event, “Bikers on the Bayou”, July 15 on 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 counter culture smash hit follows the main characters on a journey from California to Louisiana. The movie was released on 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 from 12-4 p.m. behind the St. Mary Parish Courthouse featuring the local band Low Down; Teche Theatre for the Performing Ares will offer a viewing of the local scenes from the movie from 12-4 p.m. and there will be a Teche Theatre showing of the entire movie at 4 p.m. for interested guests; car, motorcycle and rat rod show from 12-2:30 p.m. behind the Blevins Building. Registration begins at 11 a.m.; Belles on the Bayou is sponsored by Arlington Plantation House and Gardens from 10 a.m.-4p.m. Visit one of the iconic plantation homes featured in the movie.
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 scenes that were featured in the movie. The brochure will be available online at their website, www.cajuncoast.com, for visitors to download. The “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,’ Patrice Williams, Chamber board member and event chairman said. “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,” JoAnne Bergeron, chairman of the chamber board, said. “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.”
Chamber president Donna Meyer said, “I’m looking forward to a great day in downtown Franklin by the bayou, come out and mingle with our visitors and local leadership.”
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 15. For more information, call the Chamber office at 337-384-3830.