Celebration of 'Easy Rider' this weekend

After nearly two years of planning, “Bikers on the Bayou” will become a reality.
This weekend, St. Mary Parish will welcome biker enthusiasts from far and wide to retrace the route of the cult classic 1969 movie “Easy Rider,” which prominently displayed many landmarks in our area.
It is the 50th anniversary of the film starring such notable actors as Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and others.
The day starts at 8 a.m. in downtown Franklin on Teche Drive and continues until dark.
The schedule of the day’s events is:
9 a.m.: Opening ceremony at the former Center Theater Lot, including the Blessing of the Bikes.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Car, motorcycle and rat rod show at Main and Willow streets. Registration is from 8-10 a.m. Fees are $20 for the first vehicle, $10 for any additional vehicles. Includes two meal tickets. Contact Jo Aufieri at 337-578-0971 or jo.aufierei@gmail.com, or Celeste Deslatte at 337-578-3748. The judging categories are stock and custom; vintage; trikes and side cars; people’s choice; and overall.
Also, the Easy Riding on the Bayou Self-Guided Ride begins. Riders can pick up free information and welcome packets with maps in Franklin or the Amelia Bell Casino.
9 a.m.-close: Food, craft and merchandise vendors on the bayou.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Easy Rider exhibit at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse.
12 p.m.: DJ on the bayou.
1 p.m. and 3 p.m.: Easy Rider showing at the Teche Theater, free.
2-8 p.m.: Music by “Low Down” from 2-5 p.m.; “DeJaVu” from 5-8 p.m.
3 p.m.: Door prizes and announcements at the Captain American Band Stand.
5 p.m.: Thunder on the Bayou.
There will be photo-ops throughout the day and bike parking for participants is free.
Food booths will be on the site as well.
The 10 locations featured in the movie will be marked with red, white and blue Captain America gas tank motifs.
Among the attractions are downtown Franklin; the Garden City Post Office, with the alleged Red Sofa from the House of Blue lights scene in the movie; Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum, at 118 Cotton Road and US 90 in Patterson, respectively; Amelia Belle Casino, where the base of the bridge is featured in the movie.