(Formerly the Branson Motorcycle Rally)
by Stix Douglas
Do to unfortunate circumstances the Branson Motorcycle Rally was donated and turned over to new Rally directors. They had big plans with a new agenda and only six weeks to get the word out about this “new” Rally taking over where the Branson Motorcycle Rally had left off. With each obstacle encountered those involved worked harder and were determined to make sure it would be a complete success down to the last detail.
The 1st annual Veterans’ Rock N Roll Rally was held on the third weekend of May, traditionally known as “Armed Forces Weekend.” This year’s four-day event ran from Thursday, May 17th through Sunday, May 20th, and was held in its new location, a valley now known as “Area 57”.
While everyone has heard of Area 51, this new “Area” has the potential to become just as well known. It is located on the strip in Branson, MO, right next door to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and its 57 Museum. This is one area with many things to see and do, not only the sights but also everything Branson has to offer. The region around Branson is a motorcyclist paradise and has been a well-kept secret until now.
Each day of the Rally brought new events and attractions including:
Field Games, a Bike Show, two separate Poker Runs, a Cruiser Area Ride, and Three regular motorcycle rides that took bikers into some of the best riding available, for which the Ozarks is well known.
Live music was provided most evenings with the Main Headliners performing on Saturday night. They included Bill Haley’s Comets who opened the show for Paul Revere and the Raiders, and The Righteous Brothers Bill Medley with encore guest appearances by Fabian and Bobby Vee
More than 600 bikes and over 1700 people participated in this years Veterans’ Rock N Roll Rally, which raised $50,000. The money goes to The Ride To The Wall Foundation, which has a government 501(c) 3-charity status, and is a non-profit organization that helps not only homeless but also “at risk” veterans.”.
Paul Revere and the Raiders are very active with Rolling Thunder and their efforts for veterans everywhere are well documented. They have recorded 2 CD’s and a DVD dedicating all of the sales to the “Ride To The Wall Foundation
Paul Revere and several members of The Raiders usually travel by motorcycle each year with Rolling Thunder, making stops to veteran hospitals along the route and perform near the Lincoln Memorial at the Festivities in Washington DC.
Next year’s Veterans’ Rock N Roll Rally promises to be even better. It is expected to have more venders, events and things to see and do throughout the four days of the Rally. With plans already being made to have more live music with big name entertainment playing each night of next year’s Rally with the added possibly of more surprise guest appearances that is becoming a Branson tradition.
With the success of the first Veterans’ Rock N Roll Rally and the enthusiasm and support of the community, Branson is the ideal place to hold such an event. With its reputation for being the ultimate Veteran Friendly community where all Military personal from every branch of the service have always been welcomed and respected there, regardless of war or military conflict in which they served. Next year there will be Color guards and Flag raising ceremonies put on by different local veterans’ organizations to honor those who have served, and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend next year. The dates for the Veterans Rock N Roll Rally are scheduled for 22-25 May 2008. For more information on the Rally, the Ride to the Wall Foundation, or on Paul Revere and the Raiders go to these websites:
http:/www.veterransrockandrollrally.com
http://www.ridetothewall.org/
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/shows/sub_paul.html
I hope to see you at next year’s Veterans’ Rock N Roll Rally.
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