NILES — People may associate vendors with certain places — like farmers markets and fairs — and certain wares, like jams and jewelry.

At last weekend’s Niles Burn Run, each vendor either sold motorcycle-influenced goods and services or had a special connection to the vehicle.

The Burn Run is the name of both a nonprofit and a weekend-long event, which started with vendors, music and beer, and ending with a hundreds-large motorcycle ride through two counties.

The event is a culmination of months of fundraising. All money goes towards sending young burn survivors to the Great Lakes Burn Camp outside of Jackson, Michigan.

Last year, the nonprofit raised more than $17,000 to send 28 children to camp for its 18th anniversary.

The premise behind the Burn Run made Bill Primeau appreciative of attending. He found a connection with the event because he is a veteran.

“It’s my way to give back for what other people have given to me for my time in service,” he said.

Throughout the weekend, he installed lighting and made operational fixes to motorcycles through his Bay City, Michigan-based company, Twisted Illusions Lighting.

He said he often sets up shop at motorcycle events, which are much more common than one might think.

“If we wanted, we could be at one every weekend,” he said.

He never would have heard of the Burn Run, though, if Larry Reed of J&L Leather had not told him about it. The two met while vending at a motorcycle event in the state.

This is the Greenville, Michigan-based business’ second year at the event, but Reed said there could be three to four motorcycle-based events in the state at any given time, each vying for niche vendors.

Last weekend, the Burn Run was competing for vendors with another large event, Muskegon Bike Time in Muskegon, Michigan.

Reed decided to return to the Niles Burn Run, though, because of its clientele.

“Just because there are people doesn’t mean there’s going to be people buying,” he said.

J&L also benefits from owning a second trailer, he said. Reed’s business could be at two places at once.

Last Saturday, J&L sold its leather products at the Burn Run. On Sunday, its second trailer came to Niles to sew patches. Having trailers rather than a store creates low overhead, which in turn knocks down prices, he said.

“People are used to walking into Harley-Davidson and spending $400 to $500 on a coat. My most expensive is $250,” Reed said.

Like Reed and Primeau, Maryjane Davis and Cheri Cramer met while vending, too. They have since helped each other with their businesses.

“Maryjane and I have swapped ideas and different things,” Cramer said. “We’ve grown a lot through these two years. We’re good friends.”

Cramer makes handcrafted jewelry by repurposing silver, copper and silverware. Davis makes custom-etched glasses, jewelry and pins. Both use tumbled rocks for their wares, with Davis placing special focus on rocks from northern Michigan.

“I started this when I retired. You don’t have a hobby when you’re young,” she said with a chuckle.

While Cramer and Davis vend at more events than those motorcycle themed, both are longtime riders.

Just outside their vending tent were racks of Harley-Davidson clothes and paraphernalia. The two collected the brand for years when on biking trips. Now, they are looking to downsize, so they sell parts of their collection when possible.

Davis has been a volunteer with the Burn Run for years, and 2019 was no exception. She helped with the nonprofit’s numerous raffles and helped it submit a $500 grant to Walmart.

She recently stopped working at the chain store after 20 years, specializing in its fundraising efforts.

“Now that I’ve left Walmart, I’m still doing fundraisers,” she said. “That didn’t leave me.”

Davis is especially excited about her volunteer work this year with the organization because it will be the first time she will attend the Niles Burn Run Camp. Together with other volunteers, she will present a check from the 19th annual Burn Run’s fundraising efforts to camp staff and children. The camp is an opportunity for youth who have experienced life-altering burns to enjoy time outside.

“I think it’s a wonderful organization and what they do for the kids,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without the community.”

It is part of the reason why she decided to set up shop at the Burn Run. Cramer set up hers there for the same reason.

“It’s nice to be able to come out and support the Burn Run,” she said.