Downtown event planned to draw motorcyclists to Rockmart
Jul 22, 2009 | 1210 views | 20 
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Jr Martin talks about his plans for a Rockmart Biker Cruise In.
The event – a Rockmart Biker Cruise In – is described as a fun and relaxing way for motorcyclists to end their day’s rides. It will also include games for adults and children, musical entertainment and a place for vendors to set up educational, food and merchandise displays. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed.
Proposed bike games would include the barrel race, slow race, ring toss, ride the plank and others. Other general public games could be beanbag toss, inflatable, horseshoes, ring toss and more.
The suggested timeline would begin at 4:30 p.m. with music at 5 o’clock, games at 6, drawings after these end. All activities would climax at 9:30 p.m.
“Rockmart provides an ideal destination for bikers because it is small and has plenty of scenic beauty and a welcoming atmosphere,” said Jr Martin, Christian Motorcycle Apparel.
The idea originated when Martin visited Rockmart and said he “fell in love” with the community.
He said, best of all, there are many roads in Polk that can be taken in and out of the community. These are described - not as main highways or thoroughfares - but winding and curvy that bikers enjoy riding.
Previously, Martin visited a Motorcycle Cruise In held in Eton, Georgia, north of Chatsworth. The Cruise, held there for the past two years, started with 15-20 bikes. By the end of the 2008 season, more than 600 bikers were in attendance.
Martin, in a presentation to the Rockmart Mayor and Council, said the riding season usually begins in April and ends in October. A once a month event could assure that Rockmart becomes known as a biker destination.
“The success of the event will depend on bikers enjoying their stay in Rockmart and the welcome they get from local and community leaders,” he said.
Ed Barber, Star Touring and Riding, said he has been working with the Rockmart Business Alliance (RBA) and business owners have expressed an interest in the event.
City Manager Jeff Ellis said he had contacted the mayor in Chatsworth and he had only positive comments about the activities in Eton.
“We have been discussing the idea since April,” he said. “Everyone is very excited about the proposal. I think it is a good thing for the community and a good program for local families.”
Ellis said he is convinced the family-friendly games and activities will not impact downtown
business establishments since it will be held in parking areas near the Senior Citizens building.
“It could enhance the business of merchants that decide to remain open after hours due to the crowd the Cruise In is expected to bring into town,” Ellis said.
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I've lived in or near Polk Co since the mid-60s. Yes, there are ridiculous, stupid, embarrassing, humorous, etc. people and events here...just as there are everywhere. It gets reported here more often because there isn't more or bigger crimes to take the spotlight. Some people consider that a good thing...
True, life here isn't as 'progressive' as it is in other areas. Again, some people consider that a good thing. Life is quieter but one can still drive quickly & easily to Rome or Hiram to eat, shop or whatever.
I agree with Mr Driver. I'm so proud to be an American, where we can each choose where to live and have the freedom to voice our opinions about anything we feel like venting about, even if it is making fun of ourselves & our neighbors. (BTW, anonymous, you may THINK the rest of the state, etc. doesn't include YOU when they may be making fun of Polk Co but if you LIVE HERE, guess what?? You're considered by the rest of the world to be one of us!)
One other thing. If the Rockmart or Cedartown papers bug you so much, why do you bother reading them? One of the major plusses of living out here is the lack of anger & viciousness like several of you have been spouting on here. This article was about a once-a-month event coming to ROCKMART. The comments on here are complaining about the lack of progress in the county and other problems in other parts of the county. I don't see how any of that is relevant to the topic.
A certain force runs Polk and is stuck in a mind warp that needs a change. I have comtemplated a lawsuit most of my adult life against the way certain thhings are done. What is really surprising is how the US Attorney General simply turns it's back when it sees the mess here.
I read the local online paper for laughs , because your idiot criminals do such STUPID things . As for the schools, I have heard from many reviewers that the schools here are FULL of DRUGS. I'm glad that mine is college age and goes to GA. Tech . As for moving, I like my few acres here BECAUSE it is right on the county line , I bought it for CHEAP since it is Polk County ( therefore virtually worthless real estate. ), and my pitiful little bit of tax $$ goes to pay your meager little salary.btw, I saw where taxes are going up , but still a bargain compared to Floyd , Bartow and Gordon .
So all you "god's good polk county folk" just stick together . I really don't want any part of you . you are not progressive, you are stuck in the past . the customer service is ATROCIOUS at the few places that I have attempted to spend money here in the past , you all perform your jobs in a most unprofessional matter . As I said, you are welcome to my pittance ofr tax money and my garbage, though.
Please if you are so miserable here then you should just leave. Otherwise don't take yourself to serious. Always remember there are over a billion people that live in China that do not know who you are nor do they care. Since you hold Cabbagetown in higher regard than Polk County then maybe you should try living there. Just remember Polk County was here before you moved here and some how or another we will still exist if you were to leave.
By the way , I live just inside the Polk county line , where property taxes are cheap .The only contribution that Polk gets from me is my little bit of tax money and my garbage.
As for old hippies , this is the 21st century for goodness sake . cut your thinning grey hair , stop smoking whatever illegal stuff it is that you smoke , forget lynard skynard ,and realize that it is not the 60's and 70's anymore. I grew up at the tail end of that era . I was SO GLAD when it was over .
Your biker rant was outrageous and insane. I'm afraid to ask your opinion about aging hippies.
I contend that it is for this very reason : Polk does NOT WANT sucess in any way , shape , fashion or form . The people of this county are stuck in the comfort of their ignorance , poverty and desire to not have any sort of better life . I think that it is quite funny that US 27 has been completely re - routed around the heart of Cedartown because they realize that people don't want to waste their time going through hooterville to get to where they are REALLY going . Polk county and it's citizenry simply are not progressive or intelligent enough to become part of the 21st century.
Give the thing a chance. Not all bikers these days are over-the-hill Peter Fonda/Easy Rider wanna-bes.
Besides, the article said the authorities had contacted a town that had previously had this activity & gotten only positive feedback. It would bring people (who spend dollars) to Rockmart and provide locals something to do. If it gets out of hand, they can be told not to come back and/or the police can curb "activities" until they get the point & stop coming.
If it bothers you THAT much, don't go downtown on that one night per month!!