Toy run draws large crowd, 1,700 bikes

Crowds and bikers filled the streets from Nevada City through Grass Valley to the Fairgrounds Saturday during the 16th annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run.

Toy run founder Thom Staser said 1,709 motorcycles rumbled through the streets, despite the chilly weather.

“This year was different because the crowds were strung out, not just along Broad Street and Mill St.,” in the downtown districts, Staser said. “Everybody seemed to be having a good time.”

Toy run officials will meet with Staser later today to total monetary donations to buy holiday food supplies for underprivileged kids and their families. They will also tally how many toys were gathered and handed out at the end of the run.

That exercise is part of the reason why the toy run here has become so successful, Staser said. Many toy runs end with motorcycle riders just dumping their presents and going home.

Here, “They get to see the children pick the stuff up at the end,” Staser said. “It’s a low-key family event.

“We’re neutral ground for the bike clubs and people love the law enforcement participation because it’s so safe,” Staser said. “The whole thing is for the children.”