“We’re hoping to keep it growing every year,” says Harvey Doucette, organizer of the event.
Expectations for the event are high and organizers are hoping to see up to 300 ATVs registered.
The weekend starts out with an ATV fun run to the Pubnico area that will leave from the Mariners Centre at 10 a.m. A dinner and dance will be held at the Mariners Centre on Saturday evening that is open to the public.
Proceeds raised at the dinner and dance will be directed towards the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation.
“We’re anticipating at least 400 people Saturday evening,” says Doucette.
Big prizes are up for grabs on Sunday for the winners of the ATV poker run. The run begins at the Mariners Centre at 10 a.m., returning by 3:30 p.m. First prize is a cash award of $1,000, second is $300 and third $200.
“We’re hoping to try to bring as many people as possible into town to spend a few bucks on hotels and local businesses,” says Doucette.
Preparation for the event has been underway since March. Many local businesses have provided donations.
The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby is taking place this weekend as well. Organizers of the ATV run say that it could work either way when it comes to affecting attendance at their event in Yarmouth.
“People that have been going to the rally for years say they’re coming to the ATV run for a change,” says Doucette, adding that if holding the ATV event on the same weekend as the Wharf Rat Rally has a negative effect on the ATV run, the date will be changed next year.
“A lot of people have shown interest in the event, we know of people from all over the province coming,” says Doucette.
Registration for the event will be held at the Mariners Centre from 6-9 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
