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Festival Welcome
It
is safe to say that this year’s 10th Annual “Thunder By The Bay”
Motorcycle Festival aims to be bigger and better than ever!
Since this festival began nine years ago, more than $600,000 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
significant economic impact 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.
This year some new things and changes you will see implemented include:
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A "VIP Meet and Greet" Reception With Bike Builders/Special Guests
prior to the "Born To Be Wild" Kickoff Party. This will be a limited
ticketed event at Michael's On East Wine Cellar giving guests a chance to
personally meet and spend some time with this year's builders and special
guests here for the 2007 Festival.
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A 3-2-1 Cash Giveaway will be held during the "Born To Be Wild"
Kickoff Party during the live auction. All guests attending will be
eligible to win cash prizes (must be present to win). This year's party
also promises some great silent and live auction prizes.
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Five More Nationally Know Bike Builders/Special Guests will be
joining all of last year's builders and special guests who were here.
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The "Bikes, Builders, Bands & BBQ" Event will open earlier this year
at 1 p.m. and official times for autographs with builders and special
guests will be from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
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All Poker Run Riders will receive a "Rock-n-Ride" Backstage Pass
for special reserved parking upon arrival into the Downtown Festival.
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An Extreme Custom Class has been added to the Festival Bike Show.
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A "Tikes and Bikes" Children's Booth will be at the Downtown
Festival. Little ones birth to 10 dressed in their biker attire will
parade on stage at 2:30 p.m. with a winner selected by the crowd.
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A Festival Wrap-Up Party featuring Captain Johnathan Hillstrand
from the Bering Sea Fishing Vessel Time Bandit will be held at Barnacle
Bill's Seafood Restaurant on Main Street. Don't miss this if your a
Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch fan!
Our goal is to provide a safe, affordable and fun atmosphere all three
days 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 and is
not just for bikers anymore! Ride safe ...
Lucy Nicandri - Festival Director
Vice President of Marketing/Special Events - The Florida Center
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