LAKE PARK — A popular Lowndes County Christmas event roars back to life Dec. 21.

The Outback Riders Toy Ride takes off that day from Lake Park on its annual mission to provide gifts for children who otherwise might find nothing under the tree at Christmas time.

Now in its 32nd year, the toy ride is sponsored by the Outback Riders Motorcycle Club.

Those bikers wanting to ride in the event pay for the privilege with one unwrapped toy, said Tina Dooley, Outback Riders member. Pre-registration for the event takes place the night before, Dec. 20, at Mikki’s Bar in Valdosta from 5-9 p.m.

The next day, regular registration for the ride starts at its southern end point, Roger Budd’s Outlet Mall at I-75 Exit 5 in Lake Park. At 1:15 p.m., a “blessing of the bikes” is held, followed by the official start at 1:30 p.m.

The riders will head north on U.S. 41 until reaching the end of the ride in Valdosta at the Five Points Shopping Center parking lot, Dooley said.

Toys collected for the run will be distributed to needy children by the Salvation Army. Along with the ride itself, a 50/50 drawing and door prizes will be be available.

Dooley said that as many as 3,000 riders could take part. In last year’s ride, cold and wet weather held the ridership down to 400, she said.