No matter how hot and dry Fort Wayne may be, it's becoming a second home for thousands of Gold Wing riders from across the country. For the third time in a decade, the city is playing host to the 34th annual Wing Ding, the national gathering of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA).
Headquarters for the event is Memorial Coliseum, where 7,500 to 8,000 participants will gather Tuesday-July 7. Wing Dings previously had been held here in 2002 and 2005.
During the holiday week, the GWRRA and its founders will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the organization with numerous community events, including a welcome party in Grabill, a rooftop and fireworks anniversary celebration and light parade at IPFW and a grand parade. Other activities include poker rides throughout northeast Indiana, a TinCaps game night at Parkview Field, and bus tours to Auburn, DeKalb County and DeBrand Fine Chocolates.
Over a four-day period, the economic impact is estimated at between $4.5 million and $5.5 million, according to Visit Fort Wayne.
