If you are a motorcycle rider looking for an event to attend over the July 4th weekend, then a local organization's fundraiser may be just what you need.

On July 3, the ACT-SO organization of the Scotland County NAACP will hold a "Charity Motorcycle Ride" hosted by the Maxton Harley Riders and the Street Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Rocky Mount. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Clinton Inn in Laurinburg.

"The benefit ride is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Clinton Inn, when riders will follow a route through Laurinburg to McGirt's Bridge Road, where they will continue to Maxton before returning to Laurinburg," Maxton Harley Riders President Mondrey "Drey" McLaurin said. "The ride will take about 45 minutes to one hour, and when we return there will be plenty of food, vendors, and entertainment to enjoy throughout the day."

The event will continue with a bike and car show at noon and a pool party at 4 p.m. The band "A Breath of Fresh Air" will perform throughout the day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. with an after party to be held at the Highlands at 10 p.m. featuring DJ Pankey of Laurinburg.

Proceeds from the event will support the ACT-SO Scholarship Program and the local finalists' upcoming trip to the National ACT-SO competition in Kansas City, Mo. July 7.

"Anytime we can help raise funds to assist children and their educational development, we will be happy to do so," McLaurin said. "We are glad to have this opportunity to support the ACT-SO program."

District ACT-SO Chairperson Rena McNeill expressed her pleasure at the support received from the motorcycle clubs.

"On behalf of the ACT-SO young people, we are truly appreciative and thankful that these biking clubs have agreed to support our organization," she said. "We invite all bikers, Harley riders and others, to come and be a part of this first annual charity event."

A "meet and greet" kickoff event will take place July 2 at the Clinton Inn, beginning at 7 p.m.

Described as "A major youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People", ACT-SO, which stands for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics, began in Scotland County in 1997. The program was created in Chicago, Ill. in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett.

"ACT-SO is a year long enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students," McNeill said. "The program centers around the dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders who serve as mentors and coaches to these young people."

McLaurin acknowledged Maxton Harley Riders member Ronald Gibson and Street Soldiers member Reggie Gibson for their efforts in organizing this event.

The Maxton Harley Riders were formed by McLaurin's father John McLaurin.

For information, contact McLaurin 336-407-9576. For vendor information call 813-842-9608.