WASHINGTON, DC (May 23, 2011) - Gear up for the 1st Annual Stars & Stripes & Spokes™, a patriotic motorcycle rally and musical festival, that roars into RFK Stadium Festival Grounds this Memorial Day weekend (Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th). The family-friendly event with free admission features 19 live bands, festival food and beverages, more than 100 vendors, a bike stunt show, poker run, bikini contest, police motorcycle rodeo and more. Organizers will pay special tribute to our Nation’s Armed Forces with a showcase of military vehicles and equipment.

To help launch the inaugural event, more than 50 VIPs (including WRC-TV’s Jim Vance, The Edge 105.9’s Mike O’Meara, military members and representatives from Congress) are scheduled to jump on their bikes for a Kick Off Ride starting from Safeway’s parking lot (1100 4th St, SW) where they travel via police escort through the District and over to the stadium grounds. A press conference with opening ceremonies is scheduled for Noon.

Festival hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Friday through Sunday and 9:00am to 6:00 pm on Monday. Motorcycle parking is free with paid on-site parking available for all other vehicles.

Festival goers can enjoy a range of music from classic, southern and alternative rock to R&B;, blues, soul and country performed by bands such as the Nighthawks, Jasmine Cain, SnakeBite, Kirk McEwen Band and John Luskey over the four-day holiday weekend. The full line-up of performances and activities is available online at www.stars-stripes-spokes.com.

Organizers have commissioned Hardcore Choppers to build the official custom chopper of Stars & Stripes & Spokes which will be officially unveiled on Friday, May 27. Patrons may purchase sweepstakes tickets starting this weekend (and continuing through the year) with proceeds to benefit the Walter Reed Society.

NOTE TO METRO RIDERS: Due to maintenance work scheduled for Metrorail stations over the holiday weekend, access to the event will be disrupted for those taking Metrorail to the event. Metro riders taking the Orange and Blue lines will not be able to directly access the event via Metrorail to the Stadium/Armory station. Riders will be able to take Metro-providing shuttle bus services between the affected stations (Minnesota Ave/Orange, Benning Road/Blue and Federal Center SW/Blue) and Stadium/Armory station. Metro is recommending riders add 40 minutes to their trip. For more details, please visit Metro’s website by clicking here:

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