(video) — SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) -The 23rd Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is scheduled to take place this weekend (February 19-21) at the Sarasota Fairgrounds to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. This year’s Festival is presented by Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson and S&S Motorsports and will feature two bike shows, a motorcycle stereo “sound off” competition, over 80 vendors, continuous live music, a motorcycle builders invitational, and more!
Featured headliner for this year’s Festival is Molly Hatchet. Other bands performing include Maiden Cane, Greg Billings Band, One Night Rodeo, The Tucci Project, The Lost Boys, Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio, and Nobody’s Fool. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair and/or blanket.
On Sunday, February 21, a very special Motorcycle Charity Ride will take place honoring first responders, veterans, active duty military, and our country. Sarasota Mayor, Hagen Brody, will lead the ride as the Honorary Grand Marshal. The ride will leave Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson at 11:45 am ending at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Proceeds raised from Thunder By The Bay provide financial support to Suncoast Charities for Children impacting six local non-profit agencies serving over 8,000 children, teens, and adults with special needs. These agencies include: The Haven, Loveland Center, Children First, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Special Olympics Florida/Sarasota County, and Venice Challenger Baseball. Last year’s Festival raised $150,000 for Suncoast Charities for Children and generated an economic impact of $7.2 Million. Over the past 22 years, Thunder By The Bay has raised $1.9 Million for charity.
The festival is open rain or shine. Admission is $5 at the gate (12 and under free). Expanded safety precautions and social distancing measures will be implemented.
