Motorcycle Week Kicks Off With Annual Peter Makris Memorial Run
PHOTO: Peter Makris patriarch of The NASWA Resort and community leader.
14th Annual Event will be held Saturday – August 22, 2020
LACONIA – When several hundred-motorcycle riders gathered 13 years ago to honor the life of Peter Makris, patriarch of The NASWA Resort and community leader, it began a snowball roll of benefits for the Laconia community. While the initial run benefited the Laconia Fire Department Lifesaving Fund, a non-profit that encompasses all the fire department does to man and equip a water rescue unit—boat, training, and supplies—that Makris helped to start years ago, the Peter Makris Memorial Fund grew, expanded its beneficiaries and became the Official Kickoff of Laconia Motorcycle Week.
Another important aspect of Makris’ life was his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, so when Cynthia Makris, President of The NASWA and Board member of Easter Seals NH, learned of the “Veterans Count” State-wide program which aids active duty military and their families, she added the non-profit to be a beneficiary of the fund as well. Fast-forward a few years and the Lakes Region CERT emergency response team needed funds to continue training its community force to address area emergencies, the Peter Makris Fund stepped forward to help this and other area non-profits.
The annual Peter Makris Memorial Run has to date raised over $450,000 for area charities and embraces the aspects of life that meant most to Peter—family, friends, The NASWA, and giving back to his Laconia community. As a proud U.S. military veteran, Peter relished the friendship of his fellow U.S. Marine Corps Leathernecks and the group has become an integral part of the event, flying their colors to honor his service and memory.
“My family remembers what was dear to our father,” says Cynthia Makris, president of the NASWA Resort, the Official Hotel of Laconia Motorcycle Week, “My 95-year old mother, Hope is still active in the operations and events at The NASWA, rode with my Dad for years and supports his causes. This annual run brings his life full circle and allows us to give back to Laconia in my Dad’s memory.”
COVID can’t stop charitable giving during the legendary motorcycle event and official kickoff, and the event will look a little different this year due to social distancing, starting a half-hour earlier, and with Peter Makris Memorial Run masks, but it still promises to be a glorious day! Organizers send a big thank you to all who have continued to participate for the past 13 years and support these worthwhile charities.
Registration is online at: naswa.com/PMMR.
$50 pre-registration, BY AUGUST 20
$75 VIP front of the pack
First 150 to Register: Receive 14th Annual Commemorative Pin, FREE beer chip,
Gourmet Lunch Bag and entry to the waterfront NAZBar & Grill.
You may still register in person after August 20th at the NASWA Resort. Boaters, bikers and exotic/collector auto fans are all welcomed to join! After the ride, the party continues on the beach at the NAZBar & Grill with live music by the James Montgomery Band.
Peter Makris Memorial Run features:
• 8:30 – 9:30 AM | Registration: Bikers/Boaters/Drivers Meet at the NASWA Resort 1086 Weirs Blvd., Laconia, NH — Proceed to the two-level parking lot across from the NASWA Resort — Receive wrist band, Commemorative 14th Annual pin and face mask, beer chip and sign NHMS waiver.
• 9:30 – 10 AM | Final gathering and placement of motorcycles and cars in NASWA Parking Lot.
• 10 AM | Opening Ceremony and Blessing of the Bikes
• 10:30 AM | Kickstands up!
• 10:30 – 12:30PM | State Police escorted “feet up” scenic run to include laps around The New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s track and road course, thanks to NHMS GM Dave McGrath, who offers Memorial Run riders this breathtaking experience.
• 12:30 PM | NAZBar & Grill The After-Ride Party Rolls On! Pick up your Gourmet Lunch Bag — Lunch graciously provided by Affinity Group, Enjoy a free beer “On Peter”, 50/50 raffle and have plenty of fun with new and old friends!
• The James Montgomery Band returns to The NASWA to rock the party all afternoon.
James Montgomery, named “The John Mayall of New England” will bring his rockin’ James Montgomery Blues Band to the NAZBar & Grill to celebrate this 14th Anniversary! Montgomery has played with bands from Kid Rock and Gregg Allman to Johnny Winter and Bruce Springsteen — be there to welcome him to the NAZBar and thank him for graciously donating his time each year!!
The NASWA Resort, is The Official Hotel of Laconia Motorcycle Week and located in the heart of all the motorcycle week action. Reservations can be made at www.naswa.com or by calling 603.366.4341.
