The rumble of engines, the snap of American flags, and a sea of chrome will once again transform downtown Perryville as the 13th Annual Bikers on the Square rolls into town Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19–20.
What began as a downtown revitalization idea has become a patriotic two-day tradition honoring veterans while filling the square with music, food, and the unmistakable sound of hundreds of motorcycles.
VIETNAM WALL RUN
The Missouri Vietnam Wall Run is held in conjunction with National POW/ MIA Recognition Day and Bikers on the Square. In 2019, Gov. Mike Parson proclaimed it the Official Annual Ride of Remembrance in Missouri. Riders will also pay tribute at Perryville’s Veterans Memorial Wall, an identical sister to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
RIDE ROUTES
Riders can join from several starting points:
• St. Louis Route: New location at Gold Star Harley-Davidson, 2435 US-67, Festus. Free coffee and donuts Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 9:30.
• Illinois Route: Departs from Red Rooster in Olney at noon Friday, Sept. 19. Kickstands up at 12:30. • Springfield Route: Starts at Mike’s Uniques, Friday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. Law-enforcement-led scenic ride through several towns.
• Fredericktown Rendezvous: Gathering spot for all riders at Fredericktown City Hall, 124 W. Main, Saturday, Sept. 20, 10:15–11:30 a.m. for the Parade of Honor.
PARADE OF HONOR VETERANS’ CEREMONY
The highlight of the weekend is Saturday’s Parade of Honor, when the Missouri Vietnam Wall Run arrives at the Perryville town square escorted by law enforcement motorcycles.
“The Saluting Marine,” Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers, USMC (Ret.), known nationally for his hours-long salute during the Rolling Thunder event in Washington, D.C., will once again stand at attention as riders pass through.
“We encourage spectators to come out when the parade goes through town around noon,” said organizer Robynne Kirchner. “We like to line the streets with people holding flags to welcome them to our community.”
The parade leads into a Veterans’ Ceremony at the Downtown Plaza beginning at 12:30 p.m. Col. Bruce Cox, U.S. Air Force, an F-16 Viper pilot with 11 deployments, 158 missions and more than 560 combat hours, will deliver the keynote address.
A GROWING TRADITION
Kirchner recalled the origins of the event.
“Whenever we started the downtown revitalization committee, we were trying to figure out how to get more people in our downtown area so we could get more businesses, and this was one of the first downtown revitalization events,” she said. “Watching the Bikers on the Square for Veterans event continue to grow each year is awesome, and seeing so many people from so many states is great.”
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
• Live Music: Bands include Hogen’s Heroes and the band, Hybrid.
• Ride-In Bike Show sponsored by Lawless Harley-Davidson, with trophies, cash, and gift certificates. • Burnout Contest and stunt shows from the 12 O’Clock Shop.
• Beer, food, vendors, and more live entertainment on the square.
• Sky Lantern Veterans Ceremony at dusk on Saturday. A portion of the proceeds from Bikers on the Square benefits Camp Hope and Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial. For sponsorship or vendor information, contact Robynne Kirchner at 573-768-2101 or visit www.missourivietnamwallrun.org.
