Adds ABATE to June 25 activities
Versailles Council gives approval for Cruise-In
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Most of the Versailles Town Council meeting on Thursday, April 14, consisted of giving approval to activities on the Town Square for June and August.

Early in the meeting President Sue Meisberger and council members John Holzer and Jim Taul received appreciation from Carol Holzer and Susan Underwood for the town's assistance in the Versailles Historical Preservation Society's tree-planting project.

Members with the assistance of the town's equipment were able to plant 150 flowering cherry trees throughout the town during the first weekend in April.

Also present from the Versailles Historical Society was Jeff French, who requested permission for the group to sponsor "Cruise-In" events on Saturday, June 4, and Saturday, August 13, in the area of the Yellow Dog Tavern .

French explained they had sponsored the classic car event two years ago with approximately 60 entries. No admission is charged nor trophies presented, but the car show brings people into the area and adds to summer activities on the square.

His request received unanimous approval, along with a request from Bob Alexander, who represented ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education), a charitable, not-for-profit organization comprised of 26,000 members.

Explaining that he represents Region 7, Ripley County, Alexander requested the council's permission for ABATE members to gather on motorcycles at the Yellow Dog Tavern on June 25 for the beginning of a fundraiser with sign up at noon and the ride starting at 2:00 p.m.

Alexander noted Region 7, Ripley County is expecting from 150 to 200 motorcycles to participate. He believes this will also help the Versailles Lions Club chicken barbecue and the Versailles American Legion's car show on the same day.

"We in no way will permit our function to detract from the other events, but rather can foresee our members participating in the other activities and purchasing large quantities of food items being offered," he said.

Since parking the motorcycles will be the major challenge, council members and Marshal David Adams discussed various areas that would be available, including the town's parking lot near the police department.

ABATE of Indiana, according to Alexander, has contributed over $250,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as contributing over $60,000 to members and their families in times of need. In addition they have donated food and toys at Christmas through their Toys for Tikes program, have given $50,000 to community charities and $50,000 to the Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Ripley County's ABATE donated over $1,000 in clothing and gifts to the Silver Bell Nursing Home last year.