-- On October 10, when Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida panhandle, it left massive destruction in its wake. Best estimates to date are that more than 60 people died and $11.8 billion in damages was caused as the storm’s 155 mph sustained winds slammed into the Florida coast in the Panama City/Mexico Beach area.
Considering the devastation suffered in the Panama City area, most people naturally assumed that any events scheduled in the city would be put on indefinite hold. Those people underestimated the resilience of the good people of Florida. Organizers for the 18th Annual Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally refused to surrender and simply relocated the event up the coast. Normally held in Panama City, this year it was headquartered at the Casino Beach Bar & Grille municipal parking lot in Pensacola.
The event was shortened slightly to just four days, November 8 through November 11. November 7 was set aside to allow vendors and event staff to set up and finalize arrangements.
Thunder Beach Productions owner Joe Biggs stated, “The events schedule had to be heavily abbreviated compared to past years, and the attendance wasn’t what it normally is due to the short notice and change in venue. I still think both Pensacolians and the many visitors who attended really enjoyed the weekend's festivities."
The Casino Beach parking lot was the main venue for the event and featured a hospitality tent, a bar with a large seating area, the main stage for concerts and a vendor’s village. While the area was successfully fenced off in time for the rally, no parking or attendance fees were collected.
The only monies collected by the event organizers were from ticket sales to the seven concerts held over the four-day event, with all proceeds going to United Way for Hurricane Michael disaster relief, targeted toward the Bay County area. Thunder Beach organizers stated they viewed this as an opportunity to give back to the community that's given so much to them for the last 17 years.
Considering the change of venue on such short notice, both musical groups and vendors appeared in greater than expected numbers. Foghat, Savoy Brown and Jackyl, along with other acts, entertained at the gathering’s twice-a-night concerts.
Vendors operated in a fenced-off area from 9 am till 6 pm each day. As would be expected, the majority of goods being offered were motorcycle-themed, but mobile tattoo parlors, nail salons and restaurants were also present.
Beyond the concerts and vendors, this year’s event featured several charity runs and fun rides. Biggs worked with the local Veteran’s Day Celebration organizers to include event attendees in Pensacola’s parade and, as is the norm at any motorcycle rally, several beauty contests and bike competitions were held.
Melbourne-based motorcycle attorney Brad Sinclair commented on the event, “I think people were surprised at the number of people who showed up. The motorcycle population in Florida is a tight-knit group and very community-minded. If we get the word out, they will always show up to support their own.”
Contact Info:
Name: Scot Small
Email: Send Email
Organization: Sinclair Law
Phone: 1-888-722-1974
Website: https://www.sinclairlaw.com/
Release ID: 447511
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