Leonardtown, MD โ€“ย They rode into Leonardtown looking for a good time. The motorcyclists and others attending the Fourth annual Southern Maryland Music and Bike Fest were not disappointed either. The Saturday, Aug. 15 event, held from high noon to 9 p.m. at the St. Maryโ€™s County Fairgrounds, featured spectacular weather and a solid lineup of talent.

A flag-waving, patriotic โ€œProud to Be an Americanโ€ ceremony got the festival rolling. The St. Maryโ€™s County Civil Air Patrol Color Guard presented the colors and Ellen Nelson sang โ€œThe Star Spangled Banner.

On-stage performances included local country teenage sensation Robbie Boothe and his band, well-known local rock band Frankie and the Actions, Whiskey Brothers, billed as a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band; and biker event favorite and the regionโ€™s premier Southern Rock band, Snakebite.

Many motorcyclists entered their wheels in the Boston Bike Show, with awards handed out during a late afternoon ceremony. Awards were presented in 25 classes.

St. Maryโ€™s Abate conducted โ€œrodeo games,โ€ including the keg roll and balloon busting.

Several local food vendors fed the masses great American comfort food and served a variety of cool beverages.

Proceeds from the event benefitted American soldiers and veterans through Maryland Patriot Guard.

โ€œItโ€™s been great working with such a thoughtful group of people,โ€ festival chairwoman Kathy Hollyer stated in the event program. โ€œThey believe in supporting our troops and taking their time out to help put on this community event.โ€

The presenting sponsor for the 2015 Southern Maryland Music and Bike Fest was Kelly Generator and Equipment Inc. of Owings. Other top sponsors were Nicks of Calvert in Prince Frederick, All-American Harley-Davidson of Hughesville and Red Brick Road Events Inc. of Hollywood.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com