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NATCHEZ — Motorcycles, music, food and a variety of other vendors this Saturday on the Natchez Bluff will help to support the opening of a group home shelter in Natchez.

Dr. Carolyn Myers, founder and CEO of Seeds of Change Resource Foundation, has championed efforts to fundraise and renovate a house at 6 Claiborne St. to soon house eight to 10 people with nowhere else to live.

Myers through her foundation also hosts regular events and giveaways throughout the year, giving away school supplies, clothing, food, prom dresses and more. The foundation has also delivered food and resources to a community of around 20 homeless people living in the wooded area around Natchez Walmart, Myers said.

She does this with community donations, grants and one fundraising event each year — the Biker’s Weekend on the Bluff.

This Saturday marks the sixth annual Biker’s Weekend, which promises to be larger than any before it, Myers said.

“The number of bikers is going to be up in the hundreds,” she said. “Last year we had 302 bikers here and this year we’re expecting anywhere from 400 to 500. Motorcycle Clubs told other motorcycle clubs about it and I’ve talked to clubs who liked our cause and wanted to be a part of it. We have motorcyclists come from 12 states.”

Festivities begin Friday with a meet and greet for all of the bikers starting at 6 p.m. at Magnolia Bluff Hotel Ballroom. On Saturday, activities will be taking place on the Natchez Bluff all day, Myers said. While donations have always been encouraged at past events, this year there will be a $10 gate fee Saturday to support the group home effort, Myers said.

“We’re working toward a $10,000 goal. We’re still doing the renovation of the home at 6 Claiborne St. and right now trying to get a new roof on it,” she said. “I’m hoping before the winter months set in it will be open.”

Myers said other donations are encouraged to support the effort. There will be around 25 food, jewelry and small businesses vendors on the bluff with R&B and Blues performers. Myers said there would be a group of 20 AmeriCorp volunteers visiting and a few event surprises this year as well.

The National Park Service will host a live U.S. Colored Troop reenactment of the historic Buffalo Soldiers in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club visiting Natchez for the event.

The reenactment starts around 1 p.m., Myers said, which will be followed by special award presentations. The final act is a motorcade of motorcycles that will line up on the Natchez Bluff starting at 4:30 p.m. on Broadway Street and proceed to Franklin Street, to MLK, to Pilgrim Boulevard, to D’evereux Drive and then back to the Natchez Bluff. Live music continues after the motorcade from 6 p.m. into the night.

Grand Marshalls will be Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and First Lady Marla Gibson, Rev. Clifton Marvel and Alma Marvel.

“We invite everyone to watch the parade, bring your lawn chair, come and enjoy yourselves,” Myers said.

The event is co-sponsored by Visit Mississippi, the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission, and Visit Natchez. For more information, call 601-870-6343. Those who cannot attend but would still like to contribute may mail a donation to P.O. Box 714, Natchez, MS, 39121.