GULF SHORES, Ala. - Legionnaires are planning and preparing for a major motorcycle event in Gulf Shores on March 8 through 10, 2013 as a fundraiser for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, providing college scholarships for the children of military members who were killed on active duty in the war on terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001.    

The 2013 Bama Southern Romp is conducted by The Department of Alabama American Legion Riders. This event is hosted locally by the Baldwin County American Legion Riders headquartered at American Legion Post 44 in Gulf Shores.  The event is focused on the Gulf coast region, primarily Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and Perdido Key. Details of this event can be found at www. Alabamaalr.org.  

This is the fifth year of the Bama Southern Romp, but it's the first year holding it in the Gulf coast region in an effort to grow the event for the future.

Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from the southeast region of the United States are invited to join in the fun and fellowship for the weekend.  The purpose of the romp is to meet and greet fellow rider enthusiasts, ride a lot, have fun, enjoy great seafood and most importantly raise money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.  Early registration, lodging, RV and camping information is on the website. 

Some features for the weekend include live music every evening; sunset rides to the beach at the State Park Pavilion; shrimp boil on Saturday night; a flag ride, fun rides to the USS Alabama and local memorial sites, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island; daily observation rides and bug runs; bike games; bike show; motorcycle training course and a memorial service on Sunday.  Also, there will be a silent auction, numerous door prize drawings and other special drawings.

"There is something for everyone." says Wayne Stacey, the event coordinator.  "We don't know if we'll have 200 or 2,000 participants.  If the weather is as great as it has been, then we can expect an exceptional weekend. Inclement weather will not dampen our spirits. Our cause is too great."

Early registration is now through March 3.  The per person fee is $25 for the weekend or $20 per day.  Motorcycle ownership is not required. Early registrants will receive a specially designed black T-shirt and patch, extra tickets for door prize drawings, a wristband for special discounts from many local restaurants and free breakfast on Sunday. You can register online or by mail. On-site registration will be $10 higher and will include a T-shirt and patch as long as supplies last. Other limitations may apply. 

"We strongly encourage early registration to ensure we can provide a T-shirt and Patch to all participants," says Stacey.

Stacey was especially proud of the T-shirt designed for the event.  He said that it tells the story of the deceased service member's children receiving their diploma as a result of many dedicated motorcycle riders across the nation. 

Stacey said that they have received full support from the community to include several donations from local businesses that will maximize the donation to the Legacy Scholarship Fund.  Stacey stated that they have received advertising assistance from BluGemTV.com and Lamar Advertising.  Also, a lot of the entertainment has been donated.

Other local rider groups, such as Rolling Thunder, will be assisting with this event said Stacey.

American Legion Post 44, located at 6781 Gulf Shores Parkway, will serve as the ride headquarters. Events will be held there and at the State Park Pavilion and Rhythm and Ribs Restaurant in Gulf Shores.

The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans' organization. Founded early in 1919, the delegates to the first National Convention in Minneapolis broke from business sessions to parade down a main street in a heavy snowstorm at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the armistice. The American Legion shows its support to veterans everyday through numerous programs such as the Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance, the National Emergency Fund, and Operation Comfort Warrior, just to name a few.  The American Legion Riders are an activity of The American Legion.