Ben Ferenchak, of Catasauqua, experienced a homecoming like no other Saturday afternoon, as months of hard work resulted in the official dedication of Tour de Fence.

Ferenchak told The Press the goal of the dedication was to bring together friends, neighbors and supporters, as well as bicycle riders from the past and present Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer (PPRAC).

“The goal also was to raise funds while having fun,” he said. “The mood was cheerful, with moments of somber reflection.”

Tour de Fence is Ferenchak’s artistic vision, aimed at raising awareness for cancer. Since he began the project earlier this year, Ferenchak has assembled 17 bicycles, attached along his backyard fence.

According to Ferenchak, the project was created to “honor and celebrate cancer survivors, bring prayers and hope to cancer fighters and memorialize our loved ones who lost the battle to cancer.”

Despite battling the effects of Parkinson’s disease, Ferenchak said he “felt great about the event” Saturday.

About 300 individuals attended the event, Ferenchak said. The dedication and block party involved food, beverages, a performance by the band Tavern Tan, a 50/50 drawing, basket raffle, bake sale, attic treasures and the chance to place names on the bikes. Saturday’s event raised $3,000.

Catasauqua Borough Council President Vincent Smith was selected to christen Tour de Fence. Smith did so by striking a plastic bike water bottle on the post, popping the cap off and pouring water over the bikes, Ferenchak said. Smith’s father, Walter Smith, is honored on Tour de Fence as a cancer fighter.

Ferenchak specifically noted his neighbor who lives on Walnut Street, and who is battling cancer, made the longest trip to attend the dedication and block party.

“The guy who had the longest journey is my friend Bob on Walnut Street,” he said. “He’s a fighter. The two-block journey took every ounce of energy he had. He has been an inspiration to me throughout the project.”

Ferenchak said a total of 213 names have been placed on the bikes, with 155 names placed before the block party, and another 58 new ones added at the party.

Those who donate $10 or more to the American Cancer Society will have a label printed out with the name attached to a bike. A letter indicating the status of the person in whose honor the donation was made will appear behind the name. Letters include “S” for survivor, “F” for fighter and “D” for deceased.

Ferenchak said he was humbled when cancer survivors and those battling cancer approached him Saturday.

“They are going through so much,” he explained. “Their families are going through a tough time. The fact that they came out to see my project was rewarding and means the world to me. A lot of handshakes and hugs bond my inspiration for the project with the appreciation of the people honored on the bikes. Knowing some fighters will become survivors is heartwarming.

“But the reality that some fighters will lose the battle chokes me up. I have not yet needed to change the status letter behind the name on a bike, but I know that day will come. Hopefully I’ll be printing an ‘S’ on my label maker.”

Tour de Fence will be on display for one year from the dedication date, which is when the participants finish the 500-mile 2017 PPRAC ride.

Donations can also be made until July 2017, and names will be posted on the bikes until the conclusion of the dedication.

Those interested in donating to the project should make a check or money order for $10 or more out to the American Cancer Society. The donor should also include a note with the name to be included on the bike and indicate if the person is a fighter, survivor or deceased. The check or money order and note should be mailed to Ben Ferenchak, 502 Pine St., Catasauqua, 18032.

Additionally, those interested in donating can do so online at goo.gl/mXLpfK.

Updated information on the project can be found by liking the Facebook page at Tour de Fence.

When asked what the future holds, Ferenchak said, “No special projects planned, but then again this wasn’t planned. It just kind of evolved.”