Festival Welcome

This year’s 14th Annual “Thunder By The Bay” Motorcycle Festival will once again offer attendees an affordable three day venue, especially during these challenging economic times. Some exciting things riders can look forward to are as follows:
• Extended hours of a two day Downtown Festival with extended hours Saturday, January 7 (Noon-11 pm) and on Sunday, January 8 (11 am until 6 pm).

• Expanded 15 Class Bike show on Palm Avenue - Sunday, January 8

• Jagermeister is bringing its famous mobile stage downtown (45’ Semi) featuring over eight artists providing live entertainment at the lower end of Main Street and Gulf Stream Avenue

• Hyatt Regency Sarasota will host the Festival Kickoff Party featuring casino style gaming, The Billy Rice Band, and some “one of a kind” silent and live auction items. Tickets are $15 at the door

• Dealer Days will take place at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Hap’s Cycle Sales, and Sarasota Ford on Saturday, January 7, before the Downtown Festival gets underway. Each location will feature special sales and fun activities for everyone

• A new “3-2-1” Cash Giveaway Drawing will be held on Saturday, January 7, on the Jagermeister Stage. Entries are $5 or 3 for $10 and can be purchased beginning November 15th thru 3pm on January 7th at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Hap’s Cycle Sales, and Sarasota Ford. Each dealership will give away $300 - $200 - $100 to 3 lucky winners! Enter as many times as you like

• On Sunday, January 8, a “Cruise for Cash” will take place offering $4,000 total in cash prizes this year. The ride will begin and end near the Sarasota Bayfront within walking distance of the Downtown Festival. After the run, reserved and secure motorcycle parking will be available at O’Learys Tiki Bar parking lot where the ride started for all riders who purchased a hand.

Since this festival began eleven years ago, more than $800,000 has been raised for local children and families by this annual event. Not bad for an event which, in its first year had approximately 80 motorcycles that raised approximately $150. Every year “Thunder By The Bay” attracts an increasing number of visitors into the Sarasota area, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $6 million for local hotels and businesses.

A special thanks goes out to all the generous sponsors, community partners, and volunteers who make this festival possible year after year. Festival merchandise will be available beginning Nov. 15th at Rossiter’s & Manatee River Harley-Davidson along with Hap’s Cycle Sales.

Our goal is to provide a safe, affordable, and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. I hope to see you at this year's festival. Sarasota's own "Thunder By The Bay" has become a destination event so ride safe and have fun!

Lucy Nicandri, Festival Director
Vice President– Suncoast Charities for Children