A New Year's feast

What began as a New Year's Day party 15 years ago for two members of the Augusta Harley Owners Group chapter has evolved into an extended family affair for Chaz and Diann Marum, of Harlem.

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In the beginning, there were 70 to 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders. After the first few years the Marums welcomed anyone on two wheels, and now, Diann said, she can feed more than 200.

"I enjoy seeing my circle driveway filled with motorcycles," she said. "Every year, there are always different people here. We love this place and we just wanted to share it."

The Marums live on six acres on Wrightsboro Road.

If people leave hungry, it's their own fault. There were nine fried turkeys, along with black-eyed peas, corn bread and collard greens and a frequently refilled pot of chili.

Howard Thornton Jr., of Augusta, has been to most of the gatherings.

"It's a party of socializing and meeting new people," he said.

In addition to cousins, grandchildren and siblings, the motorcyclists are like an extended family to the Marums.

Diann Marum knows no strangers. She waves goodbye to the cyclists as they leave and tells them to be careful and keep the bikes rubber-side down.