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It’s a beautiful sight to see when you have children lined up on the streets of El Paso awaiting the next parade to come marching by. But this was not any ordinary parade they were waiting for; it was the El Paso Motorcycle Coalition’s 28th Annual Toy Parade. On November 7, bikers from all over the area geared up with their leathers and toy donations to help the children of El Paso. Parade registration began at the International Truck Driving School in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Julio Fierro, Director of Training, has been involved in the parade for over ten years. “We enjoy doing it and we are so happy to see all these bikers uniting for this special event,” said Julio. We hope to be a part of it again next year.”

Parade participants were given free coffee, soda and water donated by Walgreens. Walgreens has become a partner in this event by setting up toy donation boxes at all the El Paso and Las Cruces locations. Robert Alvarez, Community Manager for Walgreens, has been a participant in the Toy Parade for the past 18 years and wanted to be more involved. “Walgreens wanted to help the community more at a local level,” said Robert. “We offered discounts on toys to Bikers at targeted stores throughout this weekend. Our goal is to get more toys for the kids.” Robert announced that this is an event they will participate in every year.

As motorcycles were lining up, you could see the spirit of giving throughout the parking lot. Giant stuffed gorillas strapped on the motorcycles. Dolls and Barbies decked with bows. Toy cars and trucks that are sure to bring smiles to several young children this holiday season. Bikers displaying their colorful decorations of tinsel on the motorcycles. Toys, bells and colorful Santa hats throughout the parade. Jose Martinez was among one of the parade participants. His nine year old daughter, Raquel, was accompanying him. This was her first year riding in the parade and when I asked her what she thought of all these motorcycles, she thought it was very cool. Raquel brought toy cars to donate and was excited to see a very special individual lining up at the front of the parade. “I saw Santa!”

Yes, Santa Claus was dressed in his leathers and ready to lead the show along with El Paso’s Mayor, John Cook. Over 1,100 bikers revved up their Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis and the list goes on. Bikers from all over were riding through El Paso waving at patrons along the streets. The parade route went through downtown where people of all ages were cheering as the bikers rolled on by. The parade concluded at the El Paso County Coliseum where participants dropped of their toy donations and the party began.

Barnett Harley-Davidson, who has been a sponsor of the parade for many years, provided the entertainment. The rock bands were jamming inside on stage while a quartet of soldiers from Ft Bliss, the 62nd Army Band, entertained the participants outside. There was a Barnett Harley-Davidson fashion show put on by Laura’s Productions and vendors selling everything from T-shirts to jewelry added a variety of things to see.

At the end of the day, the event was a success and many bikers announced returning every year to participate. Next time with even more holiday cheer and more toys!