The 43rd annual El Paso Motorcycle Coalition Toy Run and Parade is happening on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know …
43 years ago, a bunch of bikers in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio got together to gather up some toys to give as Christmas gifts to poor kids in Chihuahuita. They hit up local folks and merchants as well as putting in their own money.
Then they rode around delivering them. Decades later, it’s grown to epic proportions and become an El Paso tradition.
Folks line up along the parade route, (see it here), to wave and maybe catch some thrown candy as thousands of bikers roar past on their way to the drop off point and … of course, we’re bikers … a hellluva party.
Entry fee is $15 and a new toy, ($10 value or more), registration is from 9am – 11am in the Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino parking lot. From there the parade heads for the El Paso County Coliseum under a police escort.
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The Live 915 Band will perform and participants get a free lunch from Rudy’s BBQ. The public can watch from pretty much anywhere along the route or catch the end party at the Coliseum. Here’s a short video from 2015:
You don’t have to ride a motorcycle, anyone can come to the party and pay/donate there. For more info, call (915) 494-4881 (915) 740-9991.
How Many Motorcycles Participate?
Last year, over 6,000 kids received toys and the parade averages between 1,800-2,200 motorcycles. Normally, out of all those bikes, only 900-1300 register. If you ride in the parade, but don’t wish to register or stay for the party, please, at least drop off a toy or a monetary donation.
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