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Exclusive interview with Wayne Smith owner of Angel City Interview Date : 10/09/08 Wayne Smith owner of Angel City Unadilla, GA Two shows a year, April and October. Web site : angelcityrally.com Angel City is a one of kind place, an entire 100+ acres town and campgrounds designed from the ground up to be the ultimate motorcycle rally. How I started Angel city is a long story. Six years ago my wife passed away just a couple of days before we we're about to leave together and go on a motorcycle trip. Afterwards I was kind of lost and didn't really know what to do with my time so I started going to a lot of different motorcycle rallies and shows. Eventually I met up with a couple of guys who featured my personal bike in a calendar they were making and we started talking. And talking. So one day I finally just decided that I could do something really special and create Angel city, both as a tribute to my wife and something everyone could enjoy. I try to make Angel City accessible to everyone and to give back to the community. Although designed and built as a one of a kind biker town, we also host different events like poke runs, benefits, the Ronald McDonald charity for kids and a few others. I still remember that one little boy from England that came over with the Make a Wish Foundation. The poor little guy had been severely burned in a fire and wasn't expected to live very long. |
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We got him and his family up on the stage, everyone made him feel welcome and managed even to give him a ride around town on the back of a motorcycle. Wasn't easy to do because he was so badly burned he was confined to a wheelchair. But I'll tell you seeing the look on that young man's face was something I'll remember for the rest of my life. We also do a big thing at Christmas every year. 10 days of winter wonderland with all kinds of family events, a parade, a toys for tots and donations of non perishable food stuffs for needy. And 100% of everything we take in is donated back to different non profits set up to help children. Saying that the youth is the future of America may be a too often used catch-phrase, but that doesn't make it untrue. You have to take care of the kids. And if you're a little luckier than some I feel deeply that you have a responsibility to give back to the community. To me, Angel City isn't just a place. It's my legacy. It's what I'll leave behind when I pass away, and hopefully it's what I'll be remembered for. That's a big part of why I wanted to build something not only for bikers but a place that everyone could enjoy. That's why we do so many charity events, and why I want everyone to feel welcome here. I don't care if you ride a Harley or a Honda, as long as you RIDE come down to Angel City. Two rallies a year, always a great party. | ||