Rebel Yell Rally supports St. Jude Children's Hospital

4th Annual Rally - June 6,7,8

Chaffee, MO -- The WarChild Riding Group, motorcycle enthusiasts who support the children of St. Judes and America's military veterans, are holding their 4th Annual "Rebel Yell" Rally on Paul Friga's farm north of Oran, MO from Friday June 6 through Sunday morning June 8.  The entertainment features two great local bands - Slight Return and the Caney Creek Band - playing both Friday and Saturday nights.  There is even talk of an Elvis sighting between sets.  There will be fun and games Saturday afternoon with various motorcycle riding competitions.  And the women have a chance to show off their stuff later in the day.  There is plenty of room for parking, camping and tent pitching.  Numerous venders peddling leather, tats, merchandise, food and refreshments will be present thoughout the Rally.

Admission for the weekend: is $20.00 with proceeds being donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital.  Last year the WarChild Riding Group donated $8,000 to St. Jude and more to various other charities and causes.  Gates open at noon Friday with departure by noon Sunday.

Directions to the site: are available in various watering holes in the area.  Once you get to Hwy 77 from I55 or Hwy 60, go north just outside of Oran just past the overpass and catch County Road 248.  It winds a bit for a couple miles so be careful and watch for other bikers.  Follow the signs, you can't miss it.

Rules of engagement: No Mag Flashlites - No Weapons - No Hassles - No Problems - No BS!  Porta Potties Provided - No Showers.  No Electricity Provided - Bring Own Generators.  Come have a good time - if you can't have a good time, stay home!

To find a WarChild representative call Sandy's Toddle Inn, Chaffee MO 573-887-6077 or Frisco's Bar, Chaffee MO 573-887-6077.  Have a great weekend and support the Children.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2008 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.

According to a news release, the hall of fame recognizes the sacrifices individuals across the nation and world have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists through efforts in the political arena and in grassroots motorcyclists’ rights organizations.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame opened its doors to the public on June 1, 2001. Local and national collectors loaned the new Museum a selection of vintage and rare V-twin and metric motorcycles, offering visitors a glimpse into the magnificent world of two wheels.

In July 2002 the Museum moved to its new (permanent) location, the old post office building, located on the corner of legendary Main Street and Junction Avenue, the "motorcycle crossroads of the world" if you will. The City of Sturgis donated the building to the Museum, a gift we will be forever grateful for.

The Museum has continued to grow, opening its lower level in August, 2003. With several exhibit rooms and an increasingly impressive selection of unique motorcycles, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum offers a world class experience for visitors and has been listed as one of the 10,000 Places to See Before You Die by author Patricia Schultz.

Nomination forms are available by e-mailing Christine. Those who would like to nominate someone should submit the person’s name, brief biography and statement as to why the person deserves to be recognized by April 1.

Biographical information and credentials should be no more than two pages. All nominations must be received by April 1, 2008.

By Jennifer Reeger
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Westmoreland Fairgrounds will be home to another kind of hog this summer.

The National Bikers Roundup, an annual gathering of black motorcyclists from throughout the country, will be held at the fairgrounds in Mt. Pleasant Township from July 30 to Aug. 3.

"You're going to have hogs there, but you're going to have the two-wheeled kind, not the four-legged kind," said Billy Walker, chairman of the roundup.

The event, in its 31st year, will bring about 20,000 to 25,000 bikers from around the country to the 170-acre facility over five days.

Walker said the event changes location every year. It's the first time it will be in Pennsylvania.

Concerts, Harley-Davidson demonstrations, games and seminars will be part of the event, Walker said.

The bikers conduct a drive every year to benefit local food banks.

"All food and money we collect is left within the community," Walker said. "You'll find this is the most friendly and family-oriented event."

Westmoreland Fair Secretary Jennifer Jackovitz said the event is an example how the fair board is finding ways to utilize the fairgrounds.

"We're always looking to attract big events here at the Westmoreland Fair," Jackovitz said. "We have a lot to offer here. We're kind of tucked away in the countryside, and until you see it, you just can't believe it."

Other than the annual fair, the facility has been used to host everything from arts and crafts festivals and the Overly's Country Christmas light display to the Rolling Rock Town Fair, a rock concert held for several years at the site.

The first of those concerts, held in 2000, drew the ire of some neighbors, including Westmoreland County Judge William J. Ober.

In a lawsuit, Ober and his neighbors claimed that fair board members were turning the fairgrounds into a year-round venue and that events, including the concert, were creating a nuisance that was affecting the rural character of the area. The lawsuit was later dropped.

Ober did not return a call for comment Monday.

Jackovitz said the anticipated crowd of 25,000 during the course of the bikers' event would equate to a typical fair crowd.

And she said the event won't interfere with the Aug. 15 opening of the Westmoreland Fair, even though the bikers' event ends less than two weeks prior.

"That doesn't worry us," she said.