Auburn residents who hear an influx of motorcyclists driving by this weekend, shouldn't be alarmed.
It's for a good cause.
On Sept. 20, there will be the 2nd Angels Riding for Autism Motorcycle Benefit and family fun day taking place at Springvilla Park.
Luanne Helms, director coordinator of the event, started planning events and activities in 2012. Helms said this year they hope to double the turnout from last year's event.
"We've got four live bands that'll be playing (and) we're going to have a car show," Helms said. "We have a kids area that will have the Home Depot kids work shop and inflatables."
Helms has been working with the Autism Society of Alabama to plan the event. She said she decided to do the event because her own son has autism and epilepsy.
"She and her son love to go to Springvilla Park, and they love to look at the motorcyclist on the road, and she just put two and two together and said, 'Hey, I could do this.'" said Lynn MaGill, co-planner of the event.
"Last year it was her baby and it just blossomed. Last year we had 85 motorcyclist from Georgia, Alabama and Florida."
MaGill is in charge of the vendors for the event this year.
"We have, like, 15 vendors," MaGill said. "We have several that are doing crafts, like embroidery and quilting and jewelry. It's a big assortment."
Other vendors include Wake Up AU, DMD Creations, a tie-dye booth, a blacksmith and leather smith.
The event will feature music from Junior Cardiel; singing country and Southern rock, Hollow Sky; singing rock, August Redemption; singing alternative and Brittany Avery; singing Southern rock and country.
Food will be available from places such as Bama Jama Barbeque and Sno Biz.
The money raised from the event goes to providing activities all year for children with special needs.
"We provided them with the fall party," MaGill said. "We did a Christmas party with presents, we did a Spring Fling (and) a summer party. This year, some of the money is going to start a respite program in Auburn (and) Opelika, where once a month they can bring their children to the location and then the parents can go have a date and not have to worry about who is watching their children."
Jeff Pokorny, Springvilla Park manager, said the event turned out great last year.
"Last year they had Aubie, he came out and people (were) able to get pictures with Aubie," Pokorny said.
The event is $20 for a bike and $10 for a passenger, which includes lunch and a bracelet. The park will still be open to the public for $5 per person. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.
"I have two children on the autism spectrum, and I just like to see them get out with other children with autism," MaGill said. "I like to meet the other families so I don't feel so sheltered, like I'm the only one going through this."
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