“Present Tense” band performs Sunday afternoon on the stage in the Murtha amphitheater in Kittanning Riverfront Park as part of the entertainment for the 14th Annual Waves of Thunder rally.
David Croyle admires the classic convertible owned by driver Jack Bennett. The duo are heard Mondays at 9AM on “David & Friends on WTYM AM 1380.
It was a weekend without rain, and so they came!
That is how Kittanning Hose Company #1 Fire Chief Gene Stephens summed up the 14th Annual Waves of Thunder motorcycle rally and car show.
“The weather was beautiful this weekend. We had a real good turnout - more than the last couple of years.”
The event is one of the largest fund-raisers held by the fire department. Stephens said their food tent was a success.
“Saturday, we had a record night in the cook tent in sales for all the years that we did it. We did roughly $6,000 in sales. The most expensive thing was $6. So that is a lot of moving of merchandise, food, and a lot of hard work. I give everyone of these guys and women credit. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
The event has now grown large enough that the fire fighters can plan even greater entertainment for next year.
A stroll through the park last weekend included walking by dozens of vendors during “Waves of Thunder.”
“We have some homework to do. We are going to make some changes next year and try to bring in some bigger entertainment. Also more vendors from outside the state, more leather goods, jewelry, bike-related (merchandise). We are also going to have vendors for the car-side… like wax, cleaning, shampoo, etc.”
An event of this magnitude could not have been accomplished without the many volunteers that spend countless hours helping out. Stephens also credited two other groups for its success.
“This couldn’t happen without sponsorships and the great people in this community that we have.”
Promoters estimate more than 10,000 people visit the show each year.
Motorcycles and classic cars lined South Water Street in Kittanning this weekend. Thousands of enthusiasts showed up to look at the vehicles.