MAY 22, 2014 | OKANOGAN VALLEY GAZETTE-TRIBUNE
PAGE A3
Oroville proving to be ‘biker friendly’ town
Teresa Hawkins/submitted photo
Lani Garret, representing the Columbia River Harley Owners Group and Vicki Hinze, chairwoman of the Rally at the Border Blues Fest. BY GARY DE VON MANAGING EDITOR
OROVILLE – While this was the 12th year for the Run for the Border charity ride from Wenatchee to Oroville, this was the first year the town really went all out by offering live entertainment in the form of the Rally at the Border Blues Fest. The Run for the Border, which has brought as many as 300 motorcycle riders to Oroville was down somewhat in numbers this year, perhaps due to a gloomy weather forecast for Saturday, May 17. It was reported that about 150 riders left the halfway
“Everyone loved the music and were thrilled with the venue” Vicki Hinze, Chairwoman Rally at the Border Blues Fest
point at Pateros to finish the last leg of their 150 mile journey to Oroville. With shouts of support and much flag waving competing with the throaty rumble of a seemingly endless stream of mostly Harley-Davidsons, riders and machines lined up along Main Street before heading into one or more of the local establishments to get a bite to eat and have a refreshment or two. The Columbia River Harley Owners Group, which organizes the charity ride, made the entrance into town look easy as they instructed the riders on where to park their two, and sometimes three, wheeled steeds. While they were mostly Harleys, there were also a few representatives of other manufacturers like BMW, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki. There was even a Royal Enfield from India and a Chang Jiang, both with sidecars, the latter being a Chinese copy of a Russian motorcycle, which was based on the 1938 BMW R71. The Chang Jiang and sidecar were dressed in the WWII dessert camo and palm tree of Romel’s “Afrika Korps.” After taking in the sights downtown, the Run for the Border riders either headed back south, or went north to Oroville’s Deep Bay Park to check out the Rally at the Border Blues Fest, designed to keep the riders in Oroville and to show the community’s appreciation for the annual stop here. “We sold just under 250 tickets... given the weather that’s pretty good,” said Vicki Hinze, who led the committee that organized the event.
Gary DeVon/staff photos
Clockwise from top Oroville’s own North Half Band performs at the Rally at the Border Blues Fest last Saturday afternoon. They were among six bands that performed for the first annual event, which included Blues Edition. Many of the motorcycles could be considered art. Here’s an old school tank with a flame motif. The riders were all smiles when they got to Oroville after 150 miles on the road from Wenatchee during the annual Run for the Border charity ride.
Out On The Town
your guide to
SEE BIKERS | PG A4
78TH TONASKET FOUNDERS DAY Schedule of Events Thursday, May 29 BBQ and Kids Games at the Rodeo Grounds
Friday, May 30
PBR at 7 p.m. at the Rodeo Grounds
Saturday, May 31
Breakfast at the Rodeo Grounds 8 a.m. Freedom 5K 8 a.m. at the THS Track (sponsored by the Lion’s Club) Vendors on 3rd Street, Through a Child’s Eyes 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parade 11 a.m. Founder’s Day Parade PBR at 2:30 at the Rodeo Grounds Sat., May 31, 11 am Concessions and a Street Dance at 5:30 to 9 pm Beer Garden will
on 3rd Street. be open at the Street Dance With music from North Half and Special Guest Johannes Weber
Rodeo is at 2:30 pm this year! Vendors needed, $25 per 10 x10 spot, Contact: Anna Bostwick 425-330-6083
Tonasket Chamber of Commerce supporting local businesses
Dining &
E ntertainment
nns oFono’ds! Sahba ulou F
Main St., Tonasket l 486-2996
* Wednesday *
PRIME RIB starting at 5 pm.
* Thursday *
Steak Night (8 oz top sirloin)
Open: Mon. - Sat. 11 to close
n n n n
Breakfast Every Morning Steak Night on Wed. & Sat. Spaghetti Thursday Prime Rib Friday — We have WiFi — 626 Whitcomb, Tonasket 509-486-2259
Advertise our specials and events here!
Call Charlene at 509-476-3602