4/25/2007 1:57:00 PM River Run roars into Laughlin
Jennifer Bartlett Miner Staff Writer
KINGMAN - The 25th Annual Laughlin River Run takes to the roads Wednesday, with estimations that 60,000 people and motorcycles will be in attendance this year.
Starting in 1982, Event Coordinator Joe O'Day of Dal-Con Promotions said the Laughlin River Run has grown into the largest bike rally in the Western United States.
"We're proud to reach the quarter-century mark," O'Day said. "When you see the event today, it's hard to believe it started with only 426 people back in 1983. Now, it's four days of wall-to-wall bikes, exhibits, vendors, live entertainment and people of all shapes and sizes!
"What makes the River Run so unique among bike rallies is that everything is literally at your front doorstep," O'Day said. "The Laughlin resorts make a great backdrop for this event - first-class hotel accommodations, restaurants, casino gaming - and then, when you walk out the front door, all of the top-name motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, tradeshow exhibits and entertainment are right in front of you."
In 2006, the River Run drew nearly 70,000 to Laughlin to attend the four days of the event. The event raises money for charity through the Laughlin River Run Foundation. Dal-Con Promotions donates a portion of the event proceeds to local and national charities each year. The 2006 beneficiaries included Easter Seals, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Colorado River Food Bank, Silver Rider Christmas Fund and American Heroes Foundation - benefiting local veterans.
O'Day said they are hoping to raise approximately $50,000 for charity this year.
"In addition to the giant trade show exhibit areas in casino parking lots along the length of Casino Drive, annual special events include poker runs, the custom bike show, Miss Laughlin River Run Pageant and test rides on new Harley-Davidson motorcycles at the Harley Davidson factory display. Top-name entertainment abounds with performances scheduled by classic rock bands ZZ Top, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Warrant, LA Guns and Grammy-award-winning blues guitarist Jonny Lang," the news release said.
In celebration of the River Run this weekend, Kingman's Mother Road Harley-Davidson shop is also hosting a plethora of events. While they set up on Thursday, Hack and the 57s will be performing on the stage located near the shop. Big bands will also be playing on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, according to Sales Manager Tom Blake, festivities include a beer tent, a bikini bike wash, body painting, a tattoo artist and the first ever Miss Mother Road Contest.
The weekends poker run travels to Chloride and back on Saturday, offering riders the opportunity to collect cards to make a poker hand for a chance to win $4,000 in cash and Harley-Davidson merchandise certificates.
Registration starts Wednesday in the Starview Showroom located on the second floor of the Don Laughlin Riverside Resort and Casino. The $45 fee includes an official event bandana, commemorative ride pin, souvenir program and a chance to win a new 2007 Harley-Davidson FXST Deuce and a bevy of Harley-Davidson merchandise certificates. For more information, visit www.laughlinriverrun.com.
