Festival Press Releases
 

NEWS RELEASE:  November 9, 2011

FESTIVAL CONTACT: 
Lucy  V. Nicandri, Festival Director
Vice President of  Suncoast Charities for Children
(941) 371-8820 ext. 1030

“Sarasota Rocks As Thunder Rolls”
at the 14^th Annual
Thunder By The Bay Motorcycle Festival 
January 6-8, 2012

The 14th Annual Thunder By the Bay Motorcycle Festival continues to rev up a great time raising money for Suncoast Charities for Children. This year’s Festival is presented by FCCI Insurance Group and Sarasota Ford and is one of the premier motorcycle Festivals in the state of Florida.

 This year’s Festival kicks off with a “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party on Friday, January 6, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Tickets are $15 at the door and guests will be in “Hog Heaven” enjoying a silent auction, casino style gaming, and live entertainment by The Billy Rice Band. The fun continues on Saturday, January 7, with a “Dealer Day” and “3-2-1” Cash Giveaways being held at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Hap’s Cycle Sales, and Sarasota Ford. This year there will be a Downtown Festival both Saturday, January 7 (from Noon until 11 pm) and again on Sunday, January 8 (from 11am until 6 pm) on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota. The two day Festival will feature nine bands performing live on the Jagermeister Stage, lots of vendor displays, great food and a 15 class bike show on Sunday. Also on Sunday, January 8, there will be a “Cruise for Cash” Scenic Beach Ride for motorcycles offering $4,000 in cash prizes. Registration is from 9am-11am at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill.

All proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children serving children with special needs in our community since 1986. To date, over $800,000 has been raised from this annual Festival and generates over $6 million dollars in economic impact. At the helm this year are Festival Director, Lucy Nicandri, and Volunteer Festival Chair, Mike Welch.

For Festival details and updates visit www.thunderbythebay.org