Classic cars and motorcycle riders will escort Santa Claus on Saturday, as the Southern Thunder Cruisers host the 2013 edition of Santa’s Toy Run.
In its 11th year, the event will see changes, with the run ending at the Statesboro Flea Market on U.S. Highway 301 North, organizer Curtis Gay said.
Each year, “motorcyclists from the Statesboro and surrounding areas come together to help Santa fill his bag with toys for the children who may otherwise not find much under the tree,” he said.
This year, Santa’s Toy Run will include the Southern Cruisers Classic Car Club and two area Corvette clubs.
“All of the motorcycles and cars will meet at PoJo’s Truck Stop on Highway 301 South and Interstate 16, at 10:30 a.m.,” he said. “For a new $10 unwrapped toy or money donation, each participant will enjoy a relaxing ride to Statesboro, where Santa will be waiting in his motorcycle-drawn sleigh.
“After picking up Santa, we will slow the ride down, and have a parade of Corvettes, classic cars, and motorcycles, with Santa in tow, out to the Statesboro Flea Market,” Gay said.
After Santa is safely delivered to his destination, “all participants will receive lunch, a chance at some wonderful door prizes, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped give a needy child a very Merry Christmas,” he said. Gay encourages citizens to line the streets and have children waving to Santa as they travel down East Main Street to Savannah Avenue, intersecting U.S. Highway 80, and continuing to Veterans Memorial Parkway.
Then the parade will take a left on the parkway, travel to Highway 301 North and make a left to the Statesboro Flea Market.
“Santa loves to see a lot of excited kids when he arrives, so get there early,” Gay said. “Also, parents, bring your camera and get a picture of Santa with your little one in his sleigh. All we ask is that you make a small donation to DFCS’ toy fund.”
Santa will arrive at the Bulloch County Courthouse around 12:10 p.m., where he will be picked up in a motorcycle-driven sleigh, and will arrive at the flea market at 12:30 p.m.