Fundraiser To Force Closures On I-95, I-595 Sunday
HALLANDALE BEACH (CBSMiami) – Drivers will face road closures if they head north on I-95 or west on I-595 Sunday morning, but it will be for a good cause.
For about three hours, portions of both roads will be closed for the 25th annual Christmas Toys in the Sun run.
Motorcyclists will start the ride at the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach, as they did last year.
They will leave about 9:30 a.m. and head west on Pembroke Road, then north on I-95 and west on I-595. The procession will exit at Southwest 136th Avenue and continue west along State Road 84 to Markham Park in Sunrise.
The roads should reopen by 1:30 p.m.
For 20 years, the toy ride started in Pompano Beach and traveled south along I-95. In 2011, the starting point was moved to Mardi Gras Casino.
If heading to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from the south – instead of taking I-95 Sunday morning – consider taking U.S. 1 or heading north on Florida's Turnpike, then east on I-595.
The toy run is put on by the South Florida Presidents Council, a group of motorcycle clubs and associations. The run raises money for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood.
In a normal year, the event draws about 30,000 bikers who help raise up to $600,000. More than 250 police officers from various departments help with the ride.
After the parade, there will be entertainment, food and vendors at Markham Park. If you are not participating in the parade, arrive at the park before 10 a.m. The park opens at 8 a.m. and live entertainment begins at 11 a.m.
Cost is $10 and one new unwrapped toy per person, no stuffed animals, or $20 without a toy. The park also charges an additional $1.50 per person to enter at the main gate. You can purchase a toy either at the casino or the park.
For information, go to toysinthesunrun.com.
