From The Wild Ones to the Hell’s Angels at Altamont, bikers — the tough, burly dudes in leather riding Harleys and whatnot — have
a reputation that is steeped in drugs, violence and crime. But at least one group of motorcycle enthusiasts in DeSoto County is trying to change the image. This weekend, the Creed Brotherhood Motorcycle Club holds its first Summerfest at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven. Belying the typical image of bikers, the event is wholesome and family-friendly. Running from 10 a.m. to midnight today and Saturday, the festival features a midway full of games and rides. There is a weekendlong barbecue contest, with judging Saturday at 1 p.m. Live musical entertainment will also be on tap each night. Starting at 6:30 tonight, alternative hard-rock band DeadFall Rd. performs, followed by Stiff Kitty and headliners Gabby Johnson. Saturday, the music starts at 6 p.m. with the Southern rock sounds of Sons of the South, outlaw country mainstay RT Scott and the Dirt Brothers. Perhaps the festival’s only concession to the biker lifestyle is Saturday’ car and motorcycle show, with registration running from 8 to 10 a.m.
“We’re trying to get that image done away with. We’re tired of people looking at us going, ‘Oh, you’re bikers,'” said Brotherhood vice president Steve “Scrappy” Anderson. “We are bikers, but we’re family-oriented.”