ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNow.com) — The Smoky Mountain Toy Run, which is the oldest toy run in the state, is set to continue its annual Christmas tradition of bikers delivering toys to needy children during the holiday season.

The 46th annual event will begin with riders gathering for free food and entertainment at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Kearfott Motion Systems parking lot at 2858 U.S. 70 in Black Mountain. The ride, which also now includes classic cars, departs at 1 p.m.

A police car escorts the riders of the Smoky Mountain Toy Run at a past event. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Nov. 7.
Photo courtesy of Smoky Mountain Toy Run

Organizer Gary Aiken said last year’s event had over 600 motorcycles and more than 1,000 participants.

“This year we are hoping to top those numbers. We are hoping for a large turnout this year with some perfect weather for the event,” Aiken told 828NewsNow on Nov. 6.

Throughout the event’s 46 years, it has raised well over a million toys and thousands, if not at least a million, in contributions to help nonprofits distribute toys and much needed teenage items for those in need at Christmas, Aiken said.

“Last year we assisted ABCCM, the Salvation Army, Eblen Charities and Beyond All Borders with either monetary donations or both toy and monetary donations,” Aiken said.

This year’s toys and donations will be handed out among three nonprofits: The Salvation Army, Eblen Charities and Beyond All Borders.

“One item that is a favorite among many organizations are bicycles, and last year we distributed close to 100 to these nonprofits. These are purchased by one of our great sponsors, the Smoky Mountain Harley Owners Group, who not only sponsors our efforts but also volunteers during the Toy Run,” Aiken said.

Led by former superintendent Cliff Dodson, and together with Beyond All Borders, the Smoky Mountain Toy Run’s focus this year is to work closely with its partners in the Buncombe County Schools to better identify those that might need our help and ensure they receive that help, Aiken said.

“For our local community, the Smoky Mountain Toy Run has become the Swannanoa Christmas Parade with old and young alike lining U.S. 70 in Swannanoa as the parade passes by,” Aiken said.

Riders will depart Kearfott Motion Systems parking lot at 1 p.m. and will have a police escort along U.S. 70. The ride will come to an end at Pack Square Green at 121 College Street. Riders will then drop off the toys at Pack Square Park.

More information is available at the Smoky Mountain Toy Run website.