Motorcyclists flooded Johns-town on Thursday as Thunder in the Valley offered something for every taste, including an evening parade.
Beyond the half-covered tattoos, powerful bikes, music acts and leather sales, scores of fans enjoyed wrestling – yelling and fist-pumping at the Biker Mall in downtown Johnstown.
Gary Miller was among them.
“You got ’em Bam Bam!,” the 48-year-old trucker from the West End screamed in between answering a few questions.
Miller is the father of a pair of wrestlers – the Hassel Brothers – but he missed their match when the card was changed. No matter.
“This is about the best thing going,” he said. “It’s exciting and thrill-packed. They come up with something different every time.”
Lloyda Severns of Johns-town said she is related to the family who puts on the matches as the company All or Nothing. Bouts are held monthly at The Grove and at various spots around the county.
“It’s fun and entertaining for the kids,” she said. “It gives the kids someone to look up to and gets them off the streets.”
Under the big top, Sara Whitmore of Conemaugh was vying with four other women to become Miss Thunder in the Valley.
“A friend bamboozled me into it,” the good-natured bartender said.
She wasn’t sure what her duties would be if she were to win, other than, “Smile and wave, smile and wave and wear a tiara.” Whitmore said the favorite parts of running to become the queen of the motorcycle rally were the food and making YouTube when she tripped over her dress.
In all, the contestants raised about $12,000 for their favorite charities through raffles, basket parties and the like.
The pageant was won by Amanda Ault of Armagh, who works at Griffith’s Tavern. The contestants were judged on their stage presence, answers to a few simple questions and crowd participation.
And hanging out on the street corner was Tom Stajduhar of Irwin.
He was pulling a 9 to 9 volunteer shift passing out Bibles to all comers. He was representing the Murrysville Alliance Church, which has a biker ministry.
“We want to reach those who want to be reached,” he said.
Their shift nearly over, he and a colleague had perhaps 100 Free Biker Bibles left of the 300 they had arrived with. Their aim is to hand out 1,000 Good Books through the weekend.
“Most of the time, the bikers just say, ‘Can I have one? Thank you very much.’ And they’re on their way,” Stajduhar said.
As the sun went down, the cycles in the Hot Nights/Cool Lights parade revved up. Participating bikes in the Richland-to-Johnstown review featured LED and after-market lights.
The audience squinted and kids held their ears as some riders gunned it along the city’s Main Street.
“Very impressive,” said retired city police Officer Albert Lloyd. “There’s a lot of money out there.”
The motorcycle rally continues through Sunday.
Thunder in the Valley
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Dave Lloyd
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Bike rally shifts into high gear
- 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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