The Nicky Hayden Day Memorial Ride returns to Owensboro on June 9. The Hayden family will kick off the event with an opening ceremony followed by a 1-hour ride, which includes stops at Nicky and Earl Hayden’s resting plots.
The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Nicky Hayden Statue in front of the Owensboro Convention Center. The ride finishes back at the statue with various food trucks and live music.
Hayden’s brother Roger is one of the organizers. He said the event provides a way for the family to honor Hayden while giving back to the community.
“Nicky loved giving back,” Roger said. “He would love this event with people coming together and having a good time. We have something fun for everyone.”
Roger emphasized that the fundraiser is more than just a ride; it will include plenty of food and entertainment for the entire family.
“This is a way to celebrate his life, remember him, and raise some money for local charities,” he said. “Before the ride, we will present checks to two local nonprofits. That was always Nicky’s thing: keeping it local.”
The money raised will benefit the Nicky Hayden Foundation, which continuously pours money into the community.
Recent contributions include the Hayden Home for Girls, the Nicky Hayden Apartments, and donating a van to the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club. The organization also regularly donates to the backpack program Habitat for Humanity, Goodfellows, Crossroads, St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, Wendell Foster, and more.
Last year at the event, Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson declared June 9 Nicky Hayden Day in honor of his signature number 69. More than 200 riders and even more spectators participated last year.
This year marks the event’s fifth anniversary, and organizers hope to see an even larger crowd.
