Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
65 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nAugust 2016n cycle manufactures donating riding apparel for the show. After each item was shown on a model, it was raffl ed off to a lucky winner. Emcee for the event was Nora Twyman assisted by Fred Rau, owner of Fred Rau Motorcycling. Fred has been around motorcycling for a long time and has a deep knowledge of its history. I had to opportunity to speak to Nora who is one of six employees of Americade, all of whom are female. Nora is one of the people that make Americade what it is. She started with the Dutcher family 11 years ago and was hired to do the books. She now is the exec- utive assistant to Bill and Christian Dutcher. At almost all events I have seen Nora at one time or another she's busy working to be sure everything runs smoothly. She runs the fashion show and is involved in the produc- tion of the boat cruises, dinner events, DirtDaze Rally and other Americade events. Nora was quick to note that she is only one member of a team and all, at one time or another, wear many hats. There are also over 250 volun- teers who give up their own time to make Americade a success. Next year, why not stop a few and say thank you? Right after the fashion show was the Alonzo Bodden comedy show. Back by popular demand, Alonzo has returned for at least three years. Alonzo is not only a comedian who won grand prize on the television series Last Comic Standing, but also rides and actually last year rode to Americade from California. His humor is good and clean and he loves to have fun with the audience and the biker crowd loves him. During the week, it is not unusual to see him in town, rid- ing his bike or out on a demo bike. His opening act was Joe Bronzi, one of the best opening acts I have seen. On Thursday was the Beach Party where some great food and desserts were served. Entertainment was by a 50's and 60's band called American Long Boards. The next night at the Festival Commons was the Friday Night Celebration. There was food, beverages and music, and this is also where the big prizes were given out. One lucky winner was handed the keys to a 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim and another won a motorcycle trailer. In addition there were a few motorcycle sound systems given out. Later in the evening was a spectacular fi reworks show over Lake George. Rain dampened Saturday's Dunlop Americade Parade through town, then at 2:00 p.m. Neil and I took the Harley- Davidson Cruise on Lake George. The chicken dinner was one of best I have ever had, and there was entertainment and some Harley prizes. A cruise on Lake George, known as the Queen of American Lakes, is a must, at least once, as the lake is over 30 miles long and up to three miles wide. That night I attended the Americade Concert Series at the Charles Wood Park in Lake George. The headliner was country recording artist Craig Morgan, and the crowd was enthusiastic about the show which had earlier included the bands Big Sky Country and singer Brandon Ray. At one point Craig presented beers to military vets. He said when he did shows in the Middle East he told the soldiers he would do that when he got home. Sunday was "gather up your stuff and head home" day. There is so much going on at Americade I couldn't even cover it all, such as the new vintage motorcycle display, mini and guided tours, bike judging and seminars to name a few. I would suggest, no matter where you live, or what you ride, make it a destination one year. For many it's about riding the scenic mountain and lake roads in the area. It's also about hanging out on Canada Street with people who have the same love for the sport. You can even bring the kids! The dates next year are June 6–10. There is always a surprise at Americade and the 35th year should be no exception. Pre-registration starts at beginning of 2017. If you want to stay in town, book your rooms early. I hope to see you there next year. 4 Jeff Knepper and his wife Michelle from Alabama enjoy the dance fl oor at Beach Party. Jeff is active with U.S. Army. King Tony (front) and Eric Rocks (rear) perform at the Busted Knuckles Stunt Tour The Polaris Slingshot was a pretty cool demo ride Warren County Sheriffs lead the Dunlop Americade Parade