Chris Thater 2015 Races Downtown or Recreation Park [POLL]

Another successful round of races wrapped up yesterday in the heart of downtown Binghamton as the 31st Annual Chris Thater Memorial peddled in to downtown Binghamton after years of winding around the West Side of Binghamton at Recreation Park.

The Chris Thater Memorial is dedicated in memory of Christopher Thater, a 23 year-old cycling enthusiast who was killed by a drunk driver in Broome County in October, 1983.

Some friends wanted to do something in his honor and the Broome County STOP-DWI Program and James May decided to organize an annual bike race in his honor and also to promote public awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and drunk driving.

A smaller crowd Friday braved the light rain but came out in droves for Saturday and Sunday.  Many of the cyclists enjoyed the venue change but it also brought a small number of complaints from downtown workers and businesses about the streets being blocked off for such a long period of time.  "Parking is a big issue in downtown Binghamton and I had to walk 6 blocks to access my business," said Tommy Kriger who works downtown.

I must admit that it was great seeing downtown Binghamton come alive over the exciting 3-day event. I appeared that vendors and spectators had a great time.  It's a very good event for the Binghamton community.

So what do you think?  Would you like to see the Chris Thater Memorial return to downtown Binghamton next year, Recreation Park or another location?  Vote for your choice.