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07/18/2016 12:00 AM

The Dream Ride Experience to Support Special Olympics Takes Place on Sunday, Aug. 28


Press release courtesy of Special Olympics Connecticut

Brother’s Harley-Davidson will welcome motorcyclists and fans of Special Olympics as a starting point for The Dream Ride Experience, an elaborate fundraiser presented by Bozzuto’s Inc., The Hometown Foundation, and local IGA supermarkets that will take place on Sunday, Aug. 28. Motorcyclists will ride from Branford Harley-Davidson, located at 557 West Main Street in Branford, to The Farmington Polo Grounds in Farmington. Each year, The Dream Ride Experience unites thousands of friends, families, and motorcycle and engine enthusiasts from multiple states and countries to celebrate Special Olympics athletes. The event helps inspire a sense of community and respect, acceptance, and inclusion, both on and off the playing field, for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Check-in on the day of the event will begin at Brother’s Harley-Davidson at 9 a.m. and the ride will depart for Farmington at 11 a.m. Dream Ride highlights will include a motorcycle ride with participants from eight starting points in Connecticut, Eastern Seaboard states, and Canada, along with a judged Dream Show featuring rare, classic, and exotic automobiles and motorcycles at the Farmington Polo Grounds. The event will also offer great food, live entertainment, vendor displays, pet adoptions, and a Family Fun Zone for children and guests of all ages. The Family Fun Zone will feature carnival rides, games, and children’s activities. Participants may register their motorcycle or car and purchase all-access one-day passes at $30 or two-day passes for $50. Passes entitle guests to meals and wristbands for the Family Fun Zone. For a first time this year, the general public may enter and roam the venue at no charge. Also, a Dream Cruise and Wrangler Rally hosted by Papa’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of New Britain will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27.

For more details, a full schedule of activities, and to register for The Dream Ride Experience, visit www.dreamride.org. For additional info, visit Brother’s Harley-Davidson or call 203-515-4759.

Dream Ride began as a dream of Michael A. Bozzuto, the Chief Executive Officer of Bozzuto’s Inc. It started with just a few motorcyclists participating in a benefit ride to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Throughout the years, thousands have joined the mission and helped make it an event that has a profound impact on many lives. In addition to planned local events, Bozzuto and friends will embark on a six-day, 2,000-mile motorcycle ride from Florida to Connecticut and arrive in Farmington on Friday, Aug. 26.

This year, the Dream Ride celebrates its 16th anniversary. In 2015, the event raised $1.3 million to support Special Olympics. It has raised more than $4.7 million since its inception. Dream Ride partner sponsors include the Aqua Turf Club, The Farmington Club, the Michael Fux Foundation, Bozzuto’s Inc., and The Hometown Foundation, Inc.