Wing Ding 32 is cruising into Des Moines

Wing Ding, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s (GWRRA’s) annual convention, is a huge party thrown over the July Fourth weekend each year in a different city. This year, thousands of bikes and bike enthusiasts are cruising into Des Moines to celebrate all things on two wheels at the Iowa Events Center, and other locations around the metro June 30 through July 4.

There's a lot going on through Sunday, and you can check out the full schedule here. I compiled a short list of events that piqued my interest this Thursday and Friday:

Thursday:

Stunt Shows by Clint Ewing: Professional stunt rider and Guinness World Records holder Clint Ewing will perform amazing feats on his Honda CBR600 throughout the day at 9:40 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. in the north lot of the Iowa Events Center. He holds the world record for the longest motorcycle ride through a tunnel of fire.

Valley Junction Light Parade: After shopping at the Valley Junction Farmers Market, stick around for the Wing Ding Light Parade which starts at 9:30 p.m. Nearly 100 bikes will cruise through the historic district decked out in lights for a unique parade event.

Friday:

The Grand Parade: The GWRRA Grand Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., alongside the Polk County Convention Complex in Downtown Des Moines. The Grand Parade, which will include 600-800 motorcycles, will start downtown and snake through Greater Des Moines’ beautiful landscape and neighborhoods and end in the suburb of Urbandale, Iowa.

You can also visit the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau for info on tours, road closures and more.