MANITOWOC &mdash A dreary, wet day didn’t keep area motorcycle aficionados from lining up to attend the 27th Annual Charity Motorcycle Show on Saturday
at the Manitowoc County Expo Center. “We don’t really worry about the weather too much,” said Scott Pankratz, one of the event’s organizers. “If it’s raining out, they’ll come in their cars, if it’s nice out, they’ll come on their bikes.” There didn’t seem to be too many motorcycles in the parking lot Saturday, but the 80 motorcycles on display at the show were getting quite a bit of attention. Brandon Patton of Two Rivers said he’s a regular at the show and always leaves impressed. “They really do a great job,” Patton said. “They put on a great display of bikes and it’s a very family-friendly event. We try to come every year. Plus, it’s all for a good cause.” Pankratz, who is president of the Ant Hill Mob, a local motorcycle club, said they put on the show every year and donate the proceeds to local charities. Pankratz said last year’s event raised almost $30,000 and said he hopes to do as well this year. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Sheboygan Falls, and the local Special Olympics. “The charities came out and made a pitch to us,” Pankratz said. “We picked the ones that we thought were the most deserving.” Linda Cates, director of development for the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, said she was honored to be selected as one of the charities for this year’s event.
“It’s very special because the money will be able to help so many families,” Cates said. “I’ve already seen some of the families that we help here and that’s always nice to see.”