18th annual Freedom Run takes place Saturday in Marseilles

Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run is hosting its 18th annual event honoring Gold Star families at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 19, starting at the Grundy County Fairgrounds and ending at the Middle East Conflict Wall in Marseilles.

Breakfast will be available from 6 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., and bikers depart from the fairgrounds at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a ceremony honoring Gold Star families at the Conflict Wall after the last bike arrives.

A $20 donation is requested to participate in the motorcycle run. Donations help with the cost of adding the names of fallen military to the Memorial Wall, along with assisting veterans and their families. The names of those who have died in Middle East conflicts will be read during the ceremony.

Freedom Fest will follow the ceremony from 12:30 to 11 p.m. in downtown Marseilles. Sliver Strings, Dead End Alley Band and The All In Band will provide live music.