Professional trik biker, Reality Racing Ronnnie, is scheduled to perform both days of this year's Thunder in Old Forge.
Thunder in Old Forge, the annual motorcycle gathering, is scheduled for Friday, June 1, from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street.
The event is sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) and the Town of Webb.
Ed Booton, co-chairman of the event with Chip Kiefer, said, “The 10th Mountain Division in Watertown, which is basically our home base, is doing a large portion of the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and we are offering free admission to this event to anyone who comes in uniform or with a current Military ID, including their family.”
This year the money raised through charitable donations and a raffle for a an overnight stay at a local motel, will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and will go directly to the American Legion Post 893 in Old Forge to host four to five families from Fort Drum for a weekend in Old Forge.A Flag Dedication by Bill Ransom of the American Legion will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The flag, which has flown over the White House, will be sent to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum.
The flag will be accompanied by a Sign Board signed by anyone making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project.
A variety of vendors will showcase their products in and around the Pavilon and there will be door prizes.
A barbecue concession will be available on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. and ride-outs are scheduled that day at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift Ride is welcoming Thunder in Old Forge and the general public to a special day of operation on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ticket price is $6 for adults, and $5 for youths (ages 6 to16) and seniors (over 65). Children age 5 and under ride free. For this special day of operation, admission is free for Thunder in Old Forge participants wearing a wristband showing their paid admission to the motorcycle event.
Also for this special day, all military personnel, including active duty, Wounded Warriors, and other military, and their families (with identification) ride the chairlift for free.
One of the highlights of the two-day show is motorcycle stunt riding by Reality Racing Ronnie, who will present four performances on the grounds of the pavilion.
His first show is Friday, June 1, at 5 p.m. On Saturday, June 2, his shows will take place at 10:15 a.m.,1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Another highlight on Saturday is a motorcycle show on the grounds of the Pavilion featuring bikers who have ridden their bikes to the event. Line-up is at 2 p.m. and the show is at 3 p.m.
The show will conclude on Saturday with a Twilight Parade at 7:30 p.m. with all riders carrying a light stick.
Anyone who would like to reserve vendor space at the show should call Laurie Barkauskas or Mike Farmer at the Information Center at (315) 369-6983.
