The 14th Annual Thunder By the Bay Motorcycle Festival revved up a great time raising money for Suncoast Charities for Children. The 2012 Festival is presented by FCCI Insurance Group and Sarasota Ford and is one of the premier motorcycle Festivals in the state of Florida.
The 2012 Festival kicked off with a "Born To Be Wild" Kickoff Party on Friday, January 6, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Guests were in "Hog Heaven" enjoying a silent auction, casino style gaming, and live entertainment by The Billy Rice Band. The fun continued on Saturday, January 7, with a "Dealer Day" and "3-2-1" Cash Giveaways being held at Rossiter's Harley-Davidson, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Hap's Cycle Sales, and Sarasota Ford. There was a Downtown Festival both Saturday, January 7 (from Noon until 11 pm) and again on Sunday, January 8 (from 11am until 6 pm) on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota. The two day Festival featured nine bands performing live on the Jagermeister Stage, lots of vendor displays, great food and a 15 class bike show on Sunday. Also on Sunday, January 8, there was a "Cruise for Cash" Scenic Beach Ride for motorcycles offering $4,000 in cash prizes.
All proceeds benefited Suncoast Charities for Children serving children with special needs in our community since 1986. To date, over $800,000 has been raised from this annual Festival and generates over $6 million dollars in economic impact. At the helm this year are Festival Director, Lucy Nicandri, and Volunteer Festival Chair, Mike Welch.
For this years Festival details and updates visit www.thunderbythebay.org
