The Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival, billed as “ a celebration of music, metal and motorcycles,” ranks as. the sixth largest motorcycle event in the U.S. When it began in 1994, 1,500 bikers attended. Now, participants number in the tens of thousands.
As attendance has grown, so have the number of events, among them poker runs and a poker walk; stunt shows, parking lot parties, slot tournaments Friday night fireworks and a parade. And there are the fabled rides. One day the bikers zoom up Geiger Grade to Virginia City. On another, the riders go to Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe.
Vendors and Tattoo Artists are Part of Festival
More than 100 vendors and 20 tattoo artists have indicated that they will set up shop at the Reno Events Center. The vendors’ wares will include. Every conceivable type of motorcycle-related gear from engine parts to decorative license-plate holders. Craftsmen unveil their latest innovations at the Custom Bike Builders Expo, while top tattoo professionals will display their original body art designs at the Tattoo Expo.
There are competitions, too, with winners in categories such as the best bike sound system. On the lighter side, there’s a wet t-shirt contest as well as competitions to select “Miss Harley Davidson” and “Miss Coors Light.”
Live Entertainment Centers Around Road Music
Live entertainment will be the order of the afternoon and early evening on outdoor stages and patios at Silver Legacy/Circus Circus, Eldorado, Harrah’s and John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Among the bands appearing will be Rockin’ Down the Highway Band and Nevada Hazzurd. Big name entertainment, such as Cheech & Chong, will be featured in casino showrooms.
City of Sparks Added as Venue in 2010
Whereas Reno the festival’s only venue, this year Sparks was added, with most of the activities there centering around Victorian Square. In. addition to the casinos and Reno, Sparks and Virginia City downtown areas, major venues for the events include the Harley Davidson dealerships in Reno and Carson City. The latter will have food courts and beer gardens in addition to motorcycle events. At other venues, good will also be available at vendors' stands.
For the $60 registration fee, each bikers receives free VIP parking in prime locations, a long-sleeved t-shirt, a ride pin and hog tags, free private concerts with Lee Rocker from Stray Cats at the Silver Legacy, the southern rock band, Foghat, at the Atlantis and the Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zepparella, at Harrahs, plus free entries in ride-in shows and bike competitions, free VIP parties, free entries in poker walks and runs, reduced hotel rates and a pocket guide to the festival’s events.
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
