Dave Eberle of Butler rides down Main Street prior to the start of the Butler Bikes & BBQ parade Thursday. The first year weekend event will take place at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

About 150 motorcyclists took part in the inaugural Butler Bikes and BBQ’s parade Thursday night, which took bikers from downtown Butler to the Farm Show Grounds in Evans City.

Tina Perry and Margie Helgert live in downtown Butler, and were some of the first people on Main Street waiting for the event, which had a 6 p.m. kickoff.

That many bikes driving by was a sight to see for Perry and Helgert.

“It gave us chills,” Perry said. “We love everything happening downtown.”

This is the first year Butler Bikes and BBQ has taken place, and parading motorcyclists met about 40 booths at the farm grounds. Vendors at the event will display motorcycle merchandise as well as lots and lots of barbecue over this weekend.

Read more in Friday's Butler Eagle.