Hundreds of cyclists will coast into Rome Thursday as part of the annual Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour, presented by New York Parks and Trails.

Organizers say that the annual eight-day tour from Buffalo to Albany will include more than 700 bicyclists and support staff this year.

As is tradition, riders will camp out on Fort Stanwix’s western lawn on Thursday night.

From 2 to 7 p.m., fort and Chamber of Commerce officials will be on-site to welcome riders and provide them information on places to eat, visit and shop.

Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo will also make an appearance.

“We enthusiastically welcome the many visitors who will be sampling Rome’s hospitality as this is a great opportunity to showcase our restaurants, attractions, and places to visit to hundreds of tourists who may decide in the future to make return visits with their families,” said Chamber Board Chairman Wes Cupp.

“Several members of the Chamber Board of Directors will be at the Welcome Tent from 1 to 7 p.m., along with Fort Stanwix representatives and the Chamber staff to provide information about our community,” the chamber board chairman added.

Oneida County Tourism will provide shuttle bus service to restaurants and businesses not within walking distance of the fort from 4 to 9 p.m. Shuttle buses will pick up and drop off guests at the intersection of North James and West Liberty streets, according to local officials.

Visitors to Rome will have their choice of entertainment, as well with a host of options just down West Dominick Street from the Fort Stanwix lawn.

The Capitol Theatre will present “Shrek: the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $19.

Next door at Cinema Capitol, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Wrong Man” will screen at 7 p.m., and “Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk” will also be screened at 7:15 p.m.

For ticket information, visit romecapitol.com.

Fort Stanwix will be holding guided tours throughout the evening, every half hour from 6 to 8 while the Rome Historical Society will be open for visitors beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information on those activities, visit romehistoricalsociety.org.

From 3 to 8 p.m., Copper City Brewing Company will host a Beer Garden in Gansevoort park, offering fresh craft beer brewed locally, non-alcoholic beverages, and food.

For a menu, or for more information, visit coppercitybrewing.com.

Travelers will enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at the YMCA from 5:30 to 8 on Friday morning, before departing for Canajoharie from 7 to 8:30.