The central route of the Run for the Wall is once again stopping in Mt. Vernon.
More than 300 motorcycles are expected to arrive in Mt. Vernon via I-64 exit 95 at 10:45 next Tuesday morning, May 23rd. They will fuel their bikes at the Huck’s located at 34th and Broadway.
From there, they will stage in the Rural King parking lot and parade to Mt. Vernon Airport where a dedicated committee and a few student organizations from several area schools will provide a fried chicken dinner and other amenities for the riders. A flag ceremony will be conducted by Mt. Vernon American Legion and Terri Sullivan will sing the National Anthem.
Mt. Vernon is the only Illinois stop for Run for the Wall each year. Funds are raised by the local volunteers to provide the fried chicken lunch and help pay for their fuel.
Donations are still being accepted towards the fuel for the riders. They can be dropped off at the Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau, 200 Potomac Blvd between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Checks should be made to Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. with RFTW in the memo line.
Those who participate in the Run for the Wall can sign up to join the route at any point from California to Washington D.C. Many people ride the entire route, while others join the pack for a leg of the journey. Once they converge in D.C., riders are free to return to their homes via any route they choose.
The pack will leave the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport at 12:50 p.m. and travel east on Route 15 to Wayne City where they will get back on I-64 and continue their journey towards Washington D. C. for Memorial Day. Local organizers encourage anyone who can to line Broadway between 10:50 – 11:40 next Tuesday morning. All times are approximate. Wave your flags and support the riders who say, “we ride for those who can’t.”
Travelers in Mt. Vernon on May 23rd during the time when RFTW is present should expect delays and authorities suggest taking alternate routes of Richview Road or Veteran’s Memorial Drive, when possible, between 10:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
More information about the entire Run can be found at: https://rftw.us/central-route-hub/
