This past Saturday, Johnnie and Rhonda Harper celebrated their son’s 26th birthday. They celebrated with a bike ride in his memory and honor.

Three years after Ian Harper graduated from St. Clair County High School in 2004, he was tragically killed in a car accident in 2007.

The 2012 Poker Run/sixth annual Ian Harper Remembrance Ride saw 38 bikers take part in the ride and just over $3,000 was raised.

The ride was held at the pavilion at the Moody Park and took off at 10 a.m. From the pavilion, the ride went to the Moody Crossroads, and then on Highway 10 to Trussville where bikers took their first stop.

From Trussville, the bikers traveled to Argo for a second stop. From Argo, they found their way to Odenville for a third stop, and then ended up back at the Moody Park pavilion.

Everyone then enjoyed free hot dogs and drinks at the pavilion, along with door prizes.

Ian Harper was the first state champion wrestler from St. Clair County High School.

In his honor and memory, the Harpers have established the Ian Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund. All donations from the event go toward that fund.

The fund has been established for a senior wrestler within the St. Clair County School System. A scholarship will be given at each of the following schools: Ashville, Moody, SCCHS and Springville.

Every time Rhonda talks about her son, she can’t help but cry.

“I miss him so much,” she said. “This is just a great way of keeping Ian’s memory alive. I’m so glad we had this ride on his birthday this year. Johnnie and I have made so many new friends through this ride. However, there are so many of our old friends, and so many of Ian’s friends who continue to support this. For that, I am so grateful.”

For the second straight year, a poker run was also added to the event. This year, Odenville’s Kevin Dollar had the best poker hand, and won money. Harper said Dollar donated half of his winnings back to the scholarship fund.

“It was so nice of him to do that,” Harper said. “All of this money will be used to keep Ian’s memory alive.”

Harper said for those who were unable to attend the ride, and still wanted to donate to the fund, they can send contributions to Covenant Bank in Moody or Leeds — in care of the Ian Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.