(Photo by Mary Pankow.)

Harley Happening 2001 planning is under way

     The third annual Harley Happening at the Hollywood is scheduled for June 1-3 with some fundraising activities already underway. The purpose of this widely publicized event is to create a Harley-Davidson rally emphasizing family and community to raise funds and awareness towards the restoration of Gowanda's historic Hollywood Theater.

     A new Internet web site, www.hollywoodtheater.org has been launched to make information about the Hollywood Theater and its major fundraser, the Harley Happening at the Hollywood readily available on a national level. In addition to being an information site, dowaloadable versions of the "3rd annual Harley Happening at the Hollywood Official Participants Guide" and the "Sponsorship, advertising and Donation Form" are available for any buisness or organization that wishes to be a part of it. Sponsorship, advertising, vendor and entertainer information is detailed in the guide.

     "We encourage the support of the business community to help restore the theater. It has been documented in three independent economic impact studies that the Hollywood Theater can become a catalyst for growth in southern Erie and northern Cattaraugus counties," states Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce Director Bryan Bradley.

     Previous sponsors and supporters of the Harley Happening at the Hollywood have included Gowanda Harley-Davidson, Gernatt Asphalt Products, the Cattaraugus County Arts Council, H&K Publications, Kathy Mecca Agency and the New York State Days Inn Alliance.

     Created by recent SUNY Fredonia graduates, Jim Rozen and Brian LeBarron, www.hollywoodtheater.org is an extended effort to revolutionize the marketing efforts of the Harley Happening at the Hollywood through today's communication technology.

     "This is a non-profit, grass-roots community event so even before the rally takes place we need to raise funds for events and marketing," remarks LeBarron, who has been a marketing coordinator for the event since its conception in 1999. "The website's programming done by Mr. Rozen illustrates the Village of Gowanda, the Harley Happening at the Hollywood and the historic Hollywood Theater at their best on a platform that is instantly accessible across the nation. The Friends of the Hollywood Theater extend their appreciation to him for volunteering his talent and services."

     Future long-term plans for the web site are to create an interactive multimedia representation of the Hollywood Theater, Harley Happening at the Hollywood and communication tool for sponsors and supporters. "Innovative use of digital technology, database management and Internet communications are also currently being planned and developed," continues LeBarron.

     In addition to available sponsorship and advertising opportunities, tickets to win a 2001 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster courtesy of Gowanda Harley-Davidson are also available at the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce and Gowanda Harley. The jade green motorcycle will be on display, with tickets available, throughout many of Gowanda's local businesses. Selling for only $5 apiece, they will be available up until the drawing on June 3.

     Goals are set high for this Year's rally. It is anticipated that the funds raised from this year's event will enable the restoration architects to begin phase II work on the theater. With a new roof already in place from phase I construction, the theater is scheduled to receive a fully restored front facade and new marquee as soon as funds in the amount of $150,000 are available. Total restoration costs are figured at $2.7 million.

     For information about becoming a Friends of the Hollywood volunteer or supporter, contact the Cowanda Area Chamber of Commerce at 532-6103 or visit www.hollywoodtheater.org.