Groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings rank high on every public official’s list of favorite things to do – public testament to their job-creation efforts.So consider it an act of political courage for Gov.The steady din of motorcycles sweeping through the city this week will be music to the ears of local merchants.
An expected 8,000 members of the Gold Wing Riders Association will ride their two- and three-wheeled cycles into the city, where they are expected to spend a whopping $5 million at their 34th annual Wing Ding.
This will mark the third time the city has hosted the Wing Ding, and the cyclists seem to appreciate the city. Here is what the Wing Ding couple of the year, Kirby and Sandy White, wrote on wing-ding.org:
“Wing Ding 34 and Ft. Wayne, Indiana seem to just go together, like Peanut Butter and Jelly. What a great time we have had in the past at this great city. They have lots to do, plenty of great shops, restaurants, and most importantly ice cream shops.”
Wing Dingers are planning a visit to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, a tour of DeBrand’s and a visit to IPFW to watch the fireworks, among other activities. On Friday, riders will begin at the home base – Memorial Coliseum – and ride in parade to Parkview Field.
The convention officially begins Wednesday, but many riders come early.
Holiday slowdown
With Independence Day falling mid-week in mid-summer, many government agencies that would normally meet in early July are skipping meetings this week, the Fort Wayne City Council among them.
