SEBASTIAN — VNA Hospice and TestiFire Ministries are partnering with Earl’s Hideaway for a “Weekend on Wheels,” Oct. 25 – 26 in Sebastian. The organizations hope the event will showcase Sebastian’s beautiful waterfront while raising funds for VNA Hospice and TestiFire Ministries.
Major sponsors to date include: Bad Boys Toyss used bike superstore and Sebastian River Exterminating. The Sebastian Lion’s Club also will be on hand to coordinate parking.
“Earl’s Hideaway is a landmark in Sebastian,” said Michael Gardner of VNA Hospice, “so we were very excited when they approached us with the idea for a Weekend on Wheels.”
VNA Hospice, a not-for-profit Hospice provider, offers compassionate, end-of-life care to the residents of Indian River County. Gardner explained that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about Hospice care and hopes the event can help dispel some of the myths.
“We also want to give people the opportunity to remember their loved ones,” he said, “so we’ll be holding a Celebration of Life and Memorial Butterfly Release on Sunday at Riverview Park.” Memorial butterflies can be ordered for $10 at the VNA Hidden Treasures thrift store in Sebastian (11646 US Highway 1) or by calling (772)-480-7771.
TestiFire Ministries is a not-for-profit organization that offers church services and prayer to bikers, performs bike blessings and biker weddings, and maintains the Richard Phillips Downed Biker Fund, a financial resource to support the families of motorcyclists injured in accidents.
“TestiFire Ministries exists to share the love of Jesus Christ with all people through riding the roads and proclaiming His truth,” said Kim Vacchiano, a pastor with TestiFire, “so we’re excited about holding a Bike Blessing as part of the Weekend on Wheels.”
Franni Southern of Earl’s Hideaway was the driving force behind the idea for the Weekend on Wheels. “I guess some people might think this is a strange partnership,” she said, “but Sebastian is such a beautiful place and VNA Hospice and TestiFire Ministries both do good work in our community, as do we at Earl’s, so Earl’s Hideaway is proud to be the lead sponsor.”
Southern concedes that some people may think of Earl’s as Sebastian’s “biker bar,” but hopes that a Sunday concert by national blues-rock act The Chris Duarte Group will attract newcomers.
“People might see bikes parked along Indian River Drive and not stop in because they don’t ride,” she said, “but our patrons include all kinds of people…bikers, doctors, plumbers, lawyers, all kinds. I hope people will hear about the Weekend, stop in, and realize that Earl’s is a friendly place where everyone can have a good time. The Weekend on Wheels is a great opportunity for all in the community to come together for a single purpose…to honor and celebrate not only those who have gone before but those here who can work together to give back to our beautiful City.”
For more information about the Weekend on Wheels and related events, please like the “Sebastian Weekend on Wheels” Facebook page or visit www.facebook.com/SebastianWOW. To learn more about VNA Hospice, visit www.vnatc.com, for Earl’s Hideaway visit www.earlshideaway.com, and for TestiFire Ministries, find them on Facebook.
The slate of events for the Sebastian Weekend on Wheels currently includes:
Saturday, Oct. 25:
Butterfly-themed “Bikers’ Costume Ball” at Earl’s Hideaway (1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian), Captain Hiram’s Resort (1580 US Highway 1, Sebastian), and the Tiki Bar & Grill (1130 Indian River Drive, Sebastian): 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday, October 26:
Breakfast at the Tiki Bar & Grill (1130 Indian River Drive, Sebastian): 9 –11 a.m.
Celebration of Life/Butterfly Release at Riverview Park (650 US 1, Sebastian): 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Blessing of the Bikes at Riverview Park (650 US 1, Sebastian): 12 p.m.—Until Complete
Bike Parade from Riverview Park to Earl’s Hideaway via Indian River Drive: 12 –1:30 p.m.
Bike Show and Sale at Treasure Coast Coffee Company (1400 US 1, Sebastian): 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Registrations for the bike show are due by 2 p.m.; award ceremony at Earl’s Hideaway will take place at 4 p.m.
Concert by The Chris Duarte Group at Earl’s Hideaway: 2–6 p.m.