PILOT MOUNTAIN — Local motorcycle and car enthusiasts are invited to polish their vehicles and come along for the ride this Saturday, with proceeds to benefit a group of campers that for years have touched the hearts of the Shoals community.

This year’s seventh annual Shoals Summer Handicap Camp Ride will feature a new twist that will give participants the opportunity to continue the fun and fellowship into the evening.

The ride will take place on Saturday, with registration to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tucker’s Gas Station at the junction of N.C. 268 and Shoals Road. Rain date for the ride is Sunday.

A minimum donation of $15 will be required for single motorcycle riders or $20 for double. Participants will also be entered into a drawing for door prizes during the ride. Cost for cars is $15 and extra riders may enter the door prize drawing at $5 each. An optional poker run and 50/50 drawing will also be held with all proceeds to go to the Shoals camp, held each year during the third weekend of July to provide an alternative camping experience for physically- and mentally-challenged campers.

Riders will leave promptly at 1:15 p.m. on a scenic ride through the countryside, following a route plotted by organizers Bobby Cox and Bobby Key. In a departure from past years, riders are scheduled to arrive at Shannock’s Music in King at an estimated 5 to 5:30 p.m., where they will take part in the annual “Moe Fest” celebration and an accompanying cruise-in sponsored by another King business, Juice and Java.

From that point, the evening will feature a live concert with three popular area bands scheduled to take the stage. Performing will be the band, 5 2 One, along with Donnaha Station and Shannock’s own “Chain Gang Musicians.”

Two Fender guitars, one acoustic and one electric, will be raffled at the concert, with proceeds to benefit the camp. Concessions will also be available throughout the evening.

“This is experimental,” primary organizer Jack Altrath said, smiling. “As far as I know, a ride has never been done like this and we’re not sure quite what to expect. We wanted to try something different to give back to those who’ve supported us and we’re doing that with the concert. And we’re hoping the cruise-in will bring out more cars to take part. It should be a beautiful ride for everybody and a great atmosphere once we arrive.

“Mike (Shannock’s Music owner Michael “Moe” Ernst) and some of us have been talking about doing something like this for awhile. This year we decided we would go for it. We all want to make sure this camp survives as long as we’re alive.”

Currently in its 37th year, the Shoals camp has always been a volunteer-driven organization financed by area donations. Shoals residents Doris and the late Jack Marion organized the first summer camp in 1971. The Marions originally borrowed camper-styled vehicles to provide a place for three campers, including their own son, Bennie. The camp currently hosts some 20 or more campers each year, many of whom have attended for much of their lives.

“It’s important that we keep this going in Jack’s memory,” said Altrath, who with his family has volunteered at the camp for several years. “Being there is a humbling experience. You love them.”

For those unable to participate, Tuckers Gas Station will accept donations in marked envelopes from now until the event. For more information, Altrath can be reached at (336) 215-5980.