There’s nothing quite like the sights and sounds of summer here in the Southern Tier. A gentle breeze through the trees, the occasional songbird calling out, and of course the sound of people simply enjoying the warm days. For some however, the sights and sounds of summer are a bit more intense - insert the unmistakable idle and roar of a motorcycle. If that’s more your speed, you’re in for a treat of an event coming to Olean, NY Aug. 19-23, as the annual ‘Rally in the Valley’ makes its triumphant return. Having raised over $235,000 since its inception in 2003, this event is not to be missed, not only for the camaraderie, but the benefit it has for the local community. So, toss a leg over the saddle, and let’s get you up to speed on all the happenings going on throughout the week.
Every great party needs a ‘pre-game’, which finds the event kicking off Wednesday the 19th in the Cutco/Ka-Bar parking lot where attendees will be treated to music, food, raffles and more from 5-7pm. Once you’ve primed your pump with that great kickstart, Thursday, the 20th finds Community Bank hosting their 'Banking on a Good Time Street Dance' held on Laurens Street from North Union Street to North First Street from 7-10pm. Activities include line dancing, games, the Rally Harley Davidson Raffle, and music by THE HOOTZ. Hungry? Sparky’s Pizza and Certo Brothers will have the party covered, with some of the best pizza and coldest drinks around.
Friday finds us getting into the motorcycle events (what many of you have been waiting for!) as the annual ‘Kickstart to Rally’ and ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ events are put on by the Olean Area Federal Credit Union. The Rally will officially rev its proverbial engine and begin with a motorcycle parade spanning from the Olean Area Federal Credit Union to North 12th to West State to Bradner Stadium. This all gets underway at 5:30pm, so if you’re not riding your trusty ‘hog’ in the event, be sure to get there early and line the streets in support of this great cause. Speaking of causes, the Rally is encouraging all participants to don pink garb in support of breast cancer survivors and loved ones. No pink in your closet? You’re in luck - a specially designed pink rally shirt will be available for sale to anyone looking to show their support! Once in the stadium, spectators and participants will be treated to the free fall parachute show of ‘Free Fall Oz’, as well as a fireworks show and concert by the Barry Brothers, presented by Mike’s Hard Lemonade.
Exhausted yet? Let’s hope not, because once again Certo Brothers will bring ‘Saturday Fun & Games’ to the table, essentially turning Bradner Stadium into a street festival full of games, entertainment, bands, food, vendors and more. This will run from 11am-10pm, so there’s plenty of time for even the busiest of schedules to find time to stop on in! Motorcycle judging will also kick off Saturday with 9 different categories to enter in. The best part - YOU, the general public will be the judges of who has the best of the best at the Rally! Of course all these great events need a soundtrack, so ‘Freddie n’ The Jets’ will play from noon-3pm, ‘Fat Brat’ from 3:30-6:30pm, and finally ‘Steel Reign’ will close out the day from 7-10pm.
Typically Sunday should be a day of rest, but not for Rally in the Valley, as Dice Run Day is presented by Olean General Hospital. The action will begin at 11am; the run makes its way all over WNY as riders vie for over $2,000 in cash and prizes. The ever popular ’Screamin’ Lou’ will be delighting the crowd with their incredible music from 2-6pm. On top of the traditional dice run, Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac is proud to present their 2nd Annual Poker Run at 11am as well.
With all of these great activities in store, the choice is clear: make your way to Rally in the Valley Aug. 19-23 in Olean, NY. For complete details, registration information and more, make sure you click on over to the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at www.oleanny.com or give the chamber a shout at 716-372-4433.
