The "Parade of Power" stretched miles for the 14th Bikes, Blues and BBQ Saturday (Sept. 21). It was a show of shiny motorcycles with thousands of bikers from all over the country.
Michael "Hillbilly" Henry, is an old school biker from Fayetteville, who has never missed a year of BBBQ and he has never missed the parade. He rides a 1977 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead.
"It's a two and a half mile long line of bikers headed down the Highway," Henry said. "It's a sight in itself."
Henry described the parade in his own unique way.
"It's just on the south side of being in Mardi Gras and the Tournament of Roses Parade with a little bit of Ozark flavor," Henry said.
Jerome Pinkham, from Rogers, had his new decked out stereo blaring Blues music. Pinkham said the parade is a way to check out everyone's motorcycle and show off his 2010 Harley Street Glide.
"You get to shine everything up, come down, see everybody else's bike and see what you want to do to yours next," Pinkham said.
Pinkham has been part of the parade for several years and rides with his wife and friends.
"We always enjoy the parade, it's nice to ride with everybody and see the people standing and cheering you on," Pinkham said.
Riders shared sweets with kids who waved alongside the Fayetteville streets. Pinkham said his favorite part of riding together is the camaraderie.
"The people you meet, the friendship you make, and the people you ride with," Pinkham said.
There were riders of all skill levels. Becky Krugler, from Rogers, always rode with her husband. However, this time around she rode her new Honda Rebel.
"There are lots of bikes and I'm a new rider," Krugler said. "The noise is great, I love it."
The parade was about five miles long. It started at the Washington County Fairgrounds and ended on Dickson Street.