By Lanier Laney
A truly thrilling Christmas experience happens this time of year in Beaufort as more than two hundred motorcyclists roar through town in the annual Toys for Tots run to the Salvation Army Headquarters off North Street. Not only is the combined sound of all those bikes amazing, local bikers and others from as far away as Kentucky give of their time and energy to make the journey here to provide toys for deserving local children.
The owner of Southern Scooters on Laurel Bay Road in Beaufort started the event in 1981 — 30 years ago, with only five riders. This year’s event organized by present owner “Stitch” had more than 220 participating bikers. The Salvation Army provided Christmas cookies for the bikers who left a literal mountain of gifts in the parking lot.  If you did not get to see or especially hear the roar of this amazing event, here are some pics for you:

[caption id="attachment_4695" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Bikers roar into town in a very long line."]<a href="https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bikers-roar-into-town-in-a-very-long-line-1-1.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4695" title="Bikers roar into town in a very long line" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Bikers-roar-into-town-in-a-very-long-line--150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4696" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="The growing mountain of toys."]<a href="https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/The-growing-mountain-of-toys-1.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4696" title="The growing mountain of toys" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/The-growing-mountain-of-toys-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4697" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A participating &#39;Santa&#39;"]<a href="https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-participating-Santa-1.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-4697" title="A participating 'Santa'" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-participating-Santa-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[/caption]

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Musical arts organization  puts on two free concerts

[caption id="attachment_4698" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Marlena Smalls, right, rehearses with the Battery Creek High School Choral Group for Sunday’s concert: “A Gullah Christmas,” introducing Kids North of the Broad."]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-Gullah-Christmas1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4698" title="A Gullah Christmas1" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-Gullah-Christmas1-300x174.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="174" /></a>[/caption]

Marlena Smalls (as artistic director) and Maura Connelly (as development director) are launching a new musical arts organization called KNOB (Kids North of the Broad). The motto is: “To link children to the arts, one note at a time.” It will be hosted by the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Beaufort.
KNOB’s goal is to produce two theatrical productions a year where the children will participate and be involved in all aspects of the production both in front of and behind the curtain. From writing, music, set design, acting, directing, producing, marketing to ticket sales. The founding principle of KNOB is to help teach children to build critical life skills in a creative way.
The kick off first event of the new organization is this weekend with two free performances of “A Gullah Christmas” by the Hallelujah Singers introducing the kids of KNOB at the Boys &amp; Girls Club (1100 Boundary St.). On Sunday, Dec. 18, there will be a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
In the future, if you’d would like to contribute to or get involved with this valuable new organization, please contact Maura Connelly at 441-0901.