Vendor J.R. DeSteffano of Williamstown, N.J., has been attending Johnstown’s Thunder in the Valley since its beginning.
Today, as he set up rows of sunglasses, he talked of packing up and leaving early. Despite four 50-pound weights, DeSteffano's tent was blown over and merchandise scattered during Thursday night’s severe wind and thunderstorm.
“I might stay,” he said. “But they’re talking about another storm.”
Compounding his worry is concern for his wife, who was blown off her chair and under a table, DeSteffano said. Although she initially refused to go to the hospital, he wondered if he should take her today.
She was unable to help him with setting up the damaged tent and stayed in the hotel with lacerated arms and painful ribs.
This was the second time DeSteffano has been hit by a bad storm.
The last time was four years ago at a show in Delaware.
“They say three strikes and you’re out,” DeSteffano said. Well, one more time and I am out.”
Cindy Burns, a neighboring vendor, came by to lend moral support.
Burns, whose tent also suffered damage in the storm, said that she was impressed with how the city came to their aid.
“They came. They hugged the vendors and helped out. That means so much,” she said.
DeStaffano agreed and said the fire company was very helpful.
“They pulled right up and shined the lights on us,” he said.
AccuWeather is calling for a possible thunderstorm throughout the day.
Thunder in the Valley
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Thunder vendor back after being swamped by storm
- Thunder in the Valley
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Thunder in the Valley Map
Click here to view what is happening during Thunder in the Valley.
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‘Signs, signs, everywhere a sign’ | Johnstown upholstery shop owner designs, makes banners for events
The colorful signs and banners seen at PolkaFest, Thunder in the Valley and Johnstown Music Fest are designed and made by one man. Bob Shaw, who owns an upholstery shop along Frankstown Road in Johnstown, studied pageantry – defined as a colorful, showy display – in art school and has been creating signage for the three events since their inceptions.
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Atmosphere, crowds, friendliness keep vendors coming back
Whether you’re looking for the latest biker apparel or a way to trick out your motorcycle, you’re sure to find a vendor at Thunder in the Valley to meet your needs. More than 100 registered vendors will line the streets and designated areas in downtown Johnstown selling their goods to thousands of visitors expected to attend the bike rally.
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Rally offers everything from A to Z
After 13 years of continuous growth, Thunder in the Valley provides entertainment that runs the gamut from a church strawberry festival to the Hellriders Wall of Death.
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Thunder crowds will be entertained in Richland Township
Thunder in the Valley may have started as a Johnstown event, but in its 14th year has expanded beyond the city limits.
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Greenhouse Park ready for three-day Thunderbash
It’s called Thunderbash and it’s billed as the “best adult party in town!” When motorcycle riders rumble into the region for Thunder in the Valley, thousands are expected to set up camp at Greenhouse Park.
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Wheels & Wings | 'Fun-filled event draws lots of folks, motorcycles and classic cars'
Thousands of motorcyclists, classic car enthusiasts and visitors are expected to be in Ebensburg today for the seventh annual Wheels & Wings, a popular event kicking off the Thunder in the Valley rally in Johnstown and nearby communities.
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Back to basics | Entertainment lineup will feature burnouts, custom bike shows, new musical acts
Johnstown’s bike rally is going back to basics. Some changes have been made to the entertainment for Thunder in the Valley, but everyone will still have a good time, said Jayne Korenoski, director of advertising and sales for Greater Johns-town/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Fourth Bike Fest to be held at Cambria County Fairgrounds
The fourth annual Bike Fest will be held in conjunction with Thunder in the Valley at the Cambria County Fairgrounds in Ebensburg.
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Motorcyclists revving up for Hot Nights – Cool Lights | Saturday’s parade keeps getting bigger each year, too
Motorcyclists will flood Johnstown with sounds and lights today as a procession rumbles from Richland Township to downtown Johnstown for Thunder in the Valley’s annual Hot Nights – Cool Lights Parade.
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