The first Sunday in May
was our biggest event of each year, “THE BOB MERRIMAN MEMORIAL WASHINGTON
GOVERNOR'S RUN”. This two-day event, with
Saturday added, became the largest rally/event in the Northwest with over
1,500+ attendees (some of us believe) only second to WING DING!!!!!
On May 1, 1983 Bob Merriman kicked off the first Chapter “B” Benefit Run for
Handicapped Children, a one-day event, complete with a drill team performance
by the Seattle Cossacks and a street dance. The $7.00 registration fee provided
an opportunity for a chance at the grand prize, a new motorcycle. Attendance
wasn't the difficult part of the rally, convincing Holly Ridge to be the
recipient of the profits was the obstacle. They weren't quite sure what to make
of the motorcycle organization. In 1985, Governor Booth Gardner,
due to its huge success and growth as a charity event, proclaimed the run
“Washington Governor's Run”.
The event expanded to two
full days and has raised over $300,000 in the past 25 years. In 1998 the event
was renamed “Bob Merriman Memorial Washington Governor's Run” in honor of Bob
who passed away in August of 1997. The fee was raised to $25.00, but Bob's
dream of the best rally ever still lives true. The Chapter Directors have met
that challenge of keeping this the best Chapter ever and while every
neighboring chapter has “bee” roots, Chapter “B” is still wearing the color sky
blue, sporting a “bee” mascot for Bob. We intend to continue to be the Chapter
known for having fun and going strong!!!
The proceeds from the
event were donated to the Infants and Toddlers Program of Holly Ridge Center, Inc. of Kitsap
County, the learning and assistance program for developmentally disabled
children. Photo of the check presentation for 2005.
The Governor's Run was
sponsored by international, national, and local businesses. The event was held
in the Kitsap
Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Events Center near Bremerton
( Mapquest and Aerial
View ), Washington and open to all motorcycle organizations, clubs, associations
and individual enthusiasts. We offered a variety of activities: vendors;
programs/entertainment; motorcycle skill games; people games; show & shines
for the bikes; a light parade/show; scenic rides; drill teams; raffles; 50/50;
and of course, a chance to win a brand new motorcycle! No other Chapter is
currently authorized by GWRRA to host such a function and award such a prize.
In order to host an event of this magnitude, we relied heavily on all of our
Chapter members to work the event, but needless to say we had a blast!! We
enjoyed the fact that the success of our rally allowed us to continue our
support for Holly Ridge, but we loved offering the best event around!
Chapter “B” Home Page GOVERNORS RUN
Last updated: 26 February 2008 Copyright © 2008
