JOHNSTOWN —
Those who wonder if Thunder in the Valley will be providing anything new this year will want to stop by the Welder Chix live art demonstration, check out the Rat’s Hole RatMate Contest or shop at the Cal Leverett’s Chubby Cup booth.
All three are new to Thunder this year and are already reporting strong interest in their specialties.
Metal artist Elli Groninger of State College said visitors made a special trip into Johnstown for the Welder Chix first demonstration this afternoon. Groninger and Johnstown artist Diana Shark set up shop near the corner of Washington and Walnut streets, creating sculpture from scrap metal. Many of their artworks are on sale, with more being created each day.
“We are raffling off our demonstration pieces,” Groninger said. “There will be at least three pieces a day, so that’s nine pieces or more.”
Tickets are $5, with $1 from each ticket donated to the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau to benefit Thunder in the Valley.”
The artists recycle scrap metal from appliances, junk cars and motorcycle art to create sculptures. Many of the pieces displayed this weekend depict motorcycle parts and what Shark calls tribal themes created with Thunder in the Valley in mind.
Across the Biker Mall near the train station, Rat’s Hole owners Pam and Ted Smith of High Springs, Fla., are already signing up entries for Saturday’s custom bike and chopper show, highlighting the Rat’s Hole weekend of events. The business was founded in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1957, and has been doing shows around the country since 1973, Ted Smith said.
Saturday’s bike show kicks off at features trophies in 22 classes. There will also be a tattoo contest at 3 p.m., with prizes for both men and women.
The RatMate bikini contest at 6 p.m. Friday contest features more than $1,000 in prizes and the chance to be featured on the Rat Hole’s Ratty Rag newspaper at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August.
Leverett is happy to be at Thunder in the Valley, and has attracted a lot of attention with his customized motorcycle cup and accessory holders.
“I have cup holders from $20 to $600,” Leverett said, showing off the top-of-the-line chrome bottle holder with its own refrigeration unit.
There is also phone holders, camera holders and an I-Pad holder, all mountable on handlebars.
Crowds have been typical for a Thursday afternoon, said Lisa Rager, executive director of the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“People are just ending their workday,” she said. “I’ve been seeing more and more out-of-state license plates. It is gradually ramping up until things get more busy.”
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