Harley Happening is fast approaching

     Anticipation is high as the Village of Gowanda prepares for the 3rd annual Harley Happening at the Hollywood on June 1-3. The purpose of the weekend-long event, since its conception in 1999, is to create a Harley-Davidson rally emphasizing family and community to raise funds and awareness toward the restoration of Gowanda's historic Hollywood Theater.

     Under the supervision of the non-profit Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation, the community grassroots organization, The Friends of the Hollywood, have once again teamed up with Gowanda Harley-Davidson to bring the rally to West Main Street in the center of Gowanda.

     "Having that much iron and chrome roll into town to support the restoration of our historic Hollywood Theater is a truly remarkable sight. We, as a community, owe a great amount of appreciation toward these guests and welcome them to the Village of Gowanda. Bikers literally travel hundreds of miles to visit the Theater and enjoy this entertaining and exciting fund-raiser. Let's hear them ride away praising 'What a great event! What a cool village! I'm coming back next year and bringing more friends!'" remarks Bryan Bradley, executive director of the Friends of the Hollywood.

     Activities get under way Friday, June 1 with Rhett Rotten's Wall of Death motorcycle stunt show. The extreme excitement of the Wall of Death has become a popular event at major motorcycle rallies such as Daytona Bike Week and will by featured throughout the weekend-long Harley Happening at the Hollywood. In addition, an assortment of excellent food and refreshment vendors will he on hand.

     For the' first time, a Harley parade featuring floats, music and Harley-Davidson motorcycles will also begin Friday at 7:30 p.m. and continue with the pure rock-n~roll sounds of "The Blast."

     Saturday begins at noon with a full day of the region's best live bands, including "Bogus Otis," "Mother" "Rod Tucker" and the "Ozone Rangers," a benefit run presented by the Zoar Valley Riders and "Leathers With An Attitude" fashion show presented by Pat Bruehl of the Attic Place.

     Sunday begins early at Gowanda's Free Methodist Church with "America -A Pilgrim's Prayer, A Patriot's Dream" musical choir concert at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. In addition, the Gowanda Assembly of God will hold Sunday morning services. The day picks up pace at noon with musical guests "Joe Wagner" and "The Misty Hill Band," a Ride-In Bike Show presented by the Southern Tier, NY Harley Owners Group and a first-ever Tattoo Contest.

     Activities end with numerous raffle television donated by Gabel Brothers Furniture. The grand prize is a brand new, jade green, Harley-Davidson® XLH Sportster® 883, courtesy of Gowanda Harley-Davidson, Inc. Tickets will be available during the event with proceeds benefitting the restoration efforts. Complete times and information will be listed in the Official Event Guide available during the event and a preview is currently on-line at www.hollywoodtheater.org.

     Previous years have attracted upwards of 15,000 motorcyclists and festival-goers to the Village of Gowanda. In its short history, the Harley Happening at the Hollywood has become the largest outdoor festival in northern Cattaraugus County, been covered by the Thunder Press North (a Harley-Davidson and Buell magazine distributed across the Great Lakes and northeast United States), pictured in area tourism and travel guides and has received a national award from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

     Proceeds from the event go to the restoration of Gowanda's historic Hollywood Theater. Built in 1926 and abandoned in 1992, the Hollywood Theater is listed as both a National and New York State Historic Registry landmark.

     -Under the supervision of the Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation(GARC), restoration is scheduled over several phases with an estimated $2.7 million cost. To date, phase I has been completed entailing a new roof; water drainage and minor masonry work. Phase II, consisting of a new marquee and front facade, is expected to begin as soon as funds are available. Earlier this year, GARC received a $90,000 block grant from Erie County to assist with the efforts.

     The long-term goal of the Hollywood Theater is to create a regional center for the visual and performing arts.