2021 THUNDER BY THE BAY MUSIC & MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL
ONE OF THE BEST EVENTS TO ATTEND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THUNDER BY THE BAY IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA.
This event is constantly bringing in the best of music, vendors, parties, contests, and more. I had the great opportunity to speak with Lucy Nicandri, the Festival Organizer and Executive Director for the Suncoast Charities for Children, about this year’s exciting event!
In terms of Covid-19, I asked Lucy what changes had to be made in planning this year’s Festival. Nicandri shared, “Expanded safety precautions and social distancing measures will be implemented for the safety and enjoyment of all who attend. The Festival has a dedicated Covid-19 page that clearly outlines this information. I strongly urge everyone reading this article to visit our website and read that informational page before they attend.”
Just some of the new safety precautions include installation of plexiglass at all bar serving areas, designated walk areas, masks are encouraged when social distancing is not possible, and hand sanitizer stations will be readily available. Lucy added, “I highly recommend that those attending the Festival bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy this year’s music. We want to avoid crowds standing in front of the stage for the health and safety of everyone.”
The fabulous “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party will now take place outdoors on opening night of the Festival (Friday, February 19) at the Sarasota Fairgrounds from 6-10 pm. Guests will enjoy an open bar, great food, and live music by Nobody’s Fool and The Tucci Project. You can start bidding now on some one-of-a-kind silent auction items right from your smartphone. All you need to do is register at https://qtego.net/qlink/suncoastcc from your mobile device. The silent auction will end at 9 pm on the night of the Kickoff Party, and those with the highest bid do not have to be present to win. Tickets to the party are $75 and must be purchased in advance on the Festival’s website.
In addition to the Friday night Kickoff Party, the Sarasota Fairgrounds will come alive at 5:00 pm when the gates open to Thunder by the Bay. Well over 70 of your favorite vendors will be waiting for you as well as a great array of food vendors in the food court. Food, music, friends, and fun. And it just keeps getting better every year.
And Born To Ride is proud to present Choppertown ‘Live’ is coming to Thunder by the Bay. That’s right, the very same ‘Choppertown’ that you’ve seen on countless movie streaming platforms and social media.
Back in 2004, friends Zack Coffman and Scott DiLalla started One World Studios Ltd. and produced their first motorcycle film called ‘Choppertown’. Since then, they have been offering only the best independently-produced motorcycle movies and have taken over the social media world by storm. The logical next step would be to bring you the ‘Choppertown’ experience ‘Live’ and that historic, family-friendly first step will be happening all weekend long at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Saturday, February 20, the gates open at 11 am. A new and exciting competition this year is the Motorcycle Stereo “Sound Off” Competition, with registration from Noon until 2 pm with the competition starting at 2:30 pm. There are some amazing motorcycles out there that have unique and exceptional stereo units. Live music begins at 1:30 pm with Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio, 3:30 pm with One Night Rodeo, 6:00 pm with Maiden Cane, then at 8:00 pm featured headliner Molly Hatchet comes to the main stage to rock the house down. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets. You don’t want to miss this superb day of great music.
The Sunday Charity Ride, scheduled for Sunday, February 21, has changed up a bit this year. Registration is from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson with all bikes leaving as a group at 11:45 am and riding to the Festival. Lucy explains, “The reason we decided to have everyone leave at once was to create solidarity together, riding as one, to honor our veterans, first responders, active duty and to show love and respect for our country.” Bikers participating in the ride are encouraged to display an American flag and wear patriotic clothing. Registration is $15/pp and includes a continental breakfast, a free patriotic gift, and free entry into the festival with preferred bike parking inside the gate. It is strongly encouraged for riders to pre-register at: www.ThunderByTheBay.org The gates open at Noon on Sunday with the start of the ever-popular 17-Class Bike Show. This year winners will receive trophies and cash prizes. This is always a crowd favorite and one that brings to the table some of the most beautiful bikes in the world.
Winding down our great conversation, Lucy was excited to share with me that despite the pandemic this past year, sponsor retention remained strong, which is key to the continuation of the Music & Motorcycle Festival. “I am so thankful for our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and attendees. Without them, we would not be able to continue raising money for the six local non-profit agencies that Suncoast Charities for Children financially supports. These agencies combined annually serve over 8,000 children, teens, and adults with special needs. Since the pandemic, they need our support more than ever.
All of us at Born To Ride magazine look forward to seeing you at Thunder by the Bay and Choppertown Live.
—Susan Hurst
What: Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival
When: February 19-21
Where: Sarasota Fairgrounds
Web: www.ThunderByTheBay.org
