BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

WADDINGTON — Motorcycle fans will have a rare opportunity to check out a number of classic rides when the Antique Motorcycle Club of America comes to Waddington June 2-4.

Mayor Mike Zagrobelny said the event will be family friendly and will provide a unique glimpse into the world of antique motorcycles.

“When we were first approached about the event it was made very clear to us that it wouldn’t be like Sturgis with motorcycle gangs coming into town,” he said.

Instead, the meet will be hosted in Whitaker Park, standing as one of just four national meets held by AMCA.

“We were approached by a few residents who are involved in building and maintaining antique motorcycles and we said absolutely, we can host it,” Zagrobelny said.

The event will feature a swap meet on opening day, June 2, beginning at 8 a.m.

Officials say there will be selling and swapping of old bikes, parts and motorcycle artwork.

A field games event will be held around noon on Saturday, June 3 as daring club members show off their riding skills and feats of balance, according to a press release.

A banquet will be held around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in conjunction with the Waddington Volunteer Fire Department.

A chicken BBQ dinner is open to the public and will feature “all the fixin’s, a beverage and dessert” for $20.

Other food offerings throughout the course of the weekend will include the Mason’s food truck, Earl’s Hotdog Cart and Kaneb Orchards.

The biggest highlight of the weekend is the AMCA National Judging program, during which judges will critique and rate individual motorcycles “based on their current correctness compared to when the bike left the manufacturing floor.”

Dozens of rare and restored bikes will be scrutinized based on a 100 point scale, officials say.

The bikes will be on display all weekend, with judging expected to take part Sunday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Breakfast will also be served on Sunday morning, officials say.

"It is our hope that this inaugural event’s success will bring the AMCA back to the region annually" Keith Kizer, AMCA Executive Director said.

"The AMCA would like to thank Waddington Mayor Mike Zagrobelny and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for their hard work on helping us bring this event to Waddington.”

Zagrobelny called the event a unique opportunity for the North Country.

“This really is a unique opportunity to see a side of motorcycles and motorcycle culture that is never really seen,” Zagrobelny said.