FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, the city of Franklin and Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau will host the second annual “Bikers on the Bayou” July 13 in downtown Franklin.

The event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the filming of the iconic movie “Easy Rider,” starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson. The movie includes many scenes and features locations throughout St. Mary Parish. The low budget counter-culture smash hit follows the main characters on their journey from California to Louisiana for Mardi Gras. The movie was released on July 14, 1969.

Several activities are planned throughout the day for visitors and riders in St. Mary Parish. To kick off the day there will be an “Easy Riding on the Bayou” self-guided tour. A brochure that offers a map of the route the movie characters took through the parish and details of the locations featured in the movie is available. A welcome station will be positioned on both ends of the parish with two other stops located along the route. The welcome stations will provide a packet with a souvenir patch, raffle tickets, the route/map, a scavenger hunt game and other features.

The 10 featured locations will be marked so riders and visitors can locate them. Photo opportunities will be offered downtown and on the route. The brochure also will be available to download online at www.cajuncoast.com. The self-guided tour is open to everyone and includes cars, trucks and other vehicles, not just motorcycles.

“We are fortunate that many of the locations in St. Mary parish from the iconic movie ‘Easy Rider’ have been preserved after almost 50 years,” Patrice Williams, Chamber board member and event co-chair, said in a prepared statement. “Franklin is a beautiful small town and we want to invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely ride through St. Mary Parish not only for this event but throughout the year.”

Music featuring a DJ early in the day will be part of the event, and will be followed by local bands “Low Down” and “DeJaVu.” Teche Theatre will offer a viewing of the movie at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A car, motorcycle and rat rod show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Blevins Building; Captain Caviar will offer Swamp Tours; Center of Hope will sponsor pirogue races; and demonstrations and contests will take place behind the courthouse throughout the day as well as food, crafts and merchandise vendors.

“There is a large motorcycle target audience and we are optimistic that this event will continue to grow,” Chamber President Donna Meyers said. “The response has been great. We are marketing the event via all media sources and social media throughout Louisiana and beyond”

“We are looking forward to a great day in downtown Franklin by the Bayou for the 50th anniversary of the ‘Easy Rider’ movie and second annual ‘Bikers on the Bayou’ event,” Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard said.

There are opportunities for local businesses and organizations to support this event and get involved. Sponsorships are welcomed and available in many levels. Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to help with all the activities on July 13. For more information, please call the Chamber office at 985-384-3830.

For more information, contact the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau at 985-380-8224 or the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce at 985-384-3830.