NILES — In a blur of flashing chrome, hundreds of motorcycle riders will once again fill Riverfront Park as they prepare to depart on a more than 50-mile ride to raise money for youth burn victims to attend the Great Lakes Burn Camp.

The 17th annual Niles Burn Run will take place July 20 to July 22, at Riverfront Park, but the traditional motorcycle ride offers a lot more than a peek at some steel horses.

There will be live music, wrestling, food and a car and bike show throughout the multi-day event. The traditional motorcycle ride portion of the event will kick off at noon Sunday from Riverfront Park. Riders will blaze through Berrien and Cass counties. The motorcyclists will be escorted by local police officers. Proceeds from the event after expenses will support the Great Lakes Burn Camp.

The traditional motorcycle run and multi-day festival draws thousands to Riverfront Park to take part in the activities and watch hundreds of motorcycles roar through the streets. Last year, more than 600 motorcyclists participated, raising more than $23,123.37 for the cause. The money provided camp for 38 youth burn victims.

This year Steve Adolph, the president of the Niles Burn Run, said they hope to draw even more people to Niles to help support the cause.  The goal is to raise more than $30,000 for burn-injured youth to attend the camp.

The Great Lakes Burn Camp takes place in Portage, Michigan and is for youth burn victims ages 6 to 17. The camp’s aim is to promote healing, self-esteem and give youth the opportunity to have summer fun. Adolph has visited the camp to present the donations and said he has seen how great an impact the camp makes to the youth.

“It is amazing how much they look forward to it every year,” Adolph said. “They learn a lot from each other. I feel blessed that I am able to … be part of this program that aids the Great Lakes Burn Camp.”

Many of the counselors at the camp attended the camp as children and are there to serve as mentors to fellow burn victims.

Many local businesses and volunteers donate their time or money to help make the event a reality, Adolph said.

Niles resident Doug Myers started the Niles Burn Run in 2001, with the goal to start a motorcycle ride that could also benefit youth burn victims. Since then, the Niles Burn Run has been a summer tradition. The nonprofit has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the cause.

Riders can sign up to participate for the ride in advance or the day of, though Adolph said those who register prior to the event are more likely to receive a T-shirt. To sign up online, those interested can visit nilesburnrun.com.

Single riders pay $30 to participate and rider and passenger pay $35. Wrestling competition costs are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 13, $25 for a family of four and free to children 5 and under. For more information about the Niles Burn Run, visit nilesburnrun.com. Adolph encouraged the community to take part in the tradition.

“It’s a lot of fun. There is a lot of comradery that takes part,” Adolph said. “You are doing a great service for these kids.”