FAIRHOPE, AL - It started as a backyard music festival eight years ago, but now the Angel Ride in Fairhope is a big money maker for special needs children.

Channel Three's Jake Peteson shows us what's in store this year.

The sound stage is almost set up and food vendors are getting set up. Come tomorrow this entire farm will be full of food vendors and bikers.

Oak Hollow Farms on Highway 98 is being transformed into a large fund-raiser.

Organizer Mary McDaniel says the Angel Ride is part festival part biker rally.

She started the event eight years ago to help families with special needs children.

"We feel it's important that the families don't have to worry about the cost when they are worried about their children."
Nats of construction.

The backyard fund-raiser grows each year. The first year they had a few local bands and a dozen vendors.

Now, it's a regional music festival. This year, they have 40 vendors and the Charlie Daniels Band.

"Very exciting. 4:00 because Charlie Daniels is coming."

Raylee Odom has been helped by the Angel Ride.

His mom Carissa Cumbie says the weekend festival has raised more than $500,000 for special needs children.

"It does get very expensive so we know full well."

The culmination of the event is a bike ride through Fairhope and Foley Saturday afternoon.

About 2500 bikers will pay $30 bucks a piece to ride.

"I ride with my dad and all my friends just a good time together."

Shannon Witherington says the slow economy won't stop the biker community from coming out for a good cause.

"We are family oriented and we love doing things for charity and that's mainly why I ride.Motorcyclists Gear Up For 8th Annual Angel Ride