COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Community Spotlight: Sky Valley Motorcycle Show BY WENDY POISCHBEG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
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early every day, the rumbling pipes from motorcycle engines can be felt on the streets of Snohomish as riders from across the region are lured by our safe and scenic byways. But one Sunday in May draws nearly 10,000 motorcycle enthusiasts for the most extensive biker show west of Sturgis, South Dakota, the Sky Valley Motorcycle Show. This year’s event is on May 15th. 2022 celebrates the 26th year the antique and classic motorcycle show will return to the historic downtown. Motorcycles, choppers, new and vintage two-wheelers of all makes and models will line up in a spectacle of chrome, leather, and Fat Boys. The Sky Valley chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) produces the event. Their goal is to raise public awareness of motorcycles and motorcycle safety while providing a positive image of the motorcycling community. The organizer, Rod “Red
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Dog” Hobelman got involved in the annual show when he joined the chapter in March of 1997. He began as an “as needed” volunteer, then became Road Captain, then Deputy Coordinator. Rod has been the Coordinator of the group since 2003 and hasn’t missed a show yet. “We started out washing cars in a parking lot to be able to fund the show,” Rod said. “Now, 25 years later, we have incredible support from Snohomish businesses and community that allow us to continue to put on a larger show with more entertainment. We have been able to increase our annual donation to the Snohomish Food Bank as well.” “The biggest challenge of producing the event is that it requires 100% volunteer coordination. Many people in varying capacities are necessary to put on a successful event. Not to mention we have no control over what the day-of-show weather will be like!” Rod believes the future of the event
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looks promising! “We have many people who support the event and want it to continue.” We are fortunate to have so many hard-working members to bring this event to Snohomish and look forward to another successful year.
