Convention & Visitors Bureau News
Thunder in the Mountains Motorcycle Rally Scheduled
Rev up your engine and head to Johnson City for the 3rd Annual Thunder in the Mountains Motorcycle Rally May 6th-9th. The agenda below outlines the activities for the 3-day event, which will showcase many of our region’s and community’s asset to participants. In downtown Johnson City, a festival atmosphere will include a bike show, food vendors, clothing and accessory vendors, and the main stage for evening entertainment.
For more information, call The Chamber, 461-8000, or visit www.thunderinthemountainsrally.com.
Special thanks to our event sponsors:
Events
Thursday May 6, 2010
6pm-9pm - Fas Mart Street Fights at Bristol Dragway.
Bristol Dragway will host Street Fights and "Run what you Brung". Attendees will receive a special rate of $5 to race. The Dragway will have live music for this special event.
Friday May 7, 2010
10:30am-3pm
Escorted ride from WJ's Motorcycles at 3318 Wayfield Drive to Hampton, Watauga and Blue Ridge Parkway
11:00am-3pm
Escorted ride from WJ's Motorcycles at 3318 Wayfield Drive to the SNAKE and Stoney Creek
11:30-3pm
Escorted ride from WJ's Motorcycles at 3318 Wayfield Drive to local waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway
4pm
Ride-in begins from Smith Brothers Harley Davidson at 3518 Bristol Highway in Johnson City, a police escorted ride will bring the group to downtown Johnson City.
5:30pm
Opening Ceremony including a blessing of the bikes from Fountain of Life Church.
7:30pm-10:30pm
Phil Bachman Scion Battle of the Bands advertised by 95.9 The HOG and Classic Hits 102.7.
Saturday May 8, 2010
8am-9pm
Vendors open all day
9am-6pm
Smith Brother's Harley-Davidson Swap meet 3518 Bristol Highway Johnson City, TN (423)283-0422
9:00am-11:45am
Bike Show at WJ's Motorcycles at 3318 Wayfield Drive (423)282-2515 for more information.
9:30am-11:00am
Citizens Soliders Inc. Bug Run to benefit Homeless Veterans from Black Wolf Harley Davidson to WJ's Motorcycles, for more information contact Sandra Gruber at (423)557-9059 or sandra.gruber98@yahoo.com
Noon-2:30pm
Phil Bachman Scion Poker Run at Phil Bachman Scion at 3200 Bristol Highway, Johnson City (423) 282-2241
3:00pm-5:30pm - Bike Rodeo
Barrel Push, Plank Challenge, Slow Race, Spud Hunt, Weiner Bike and Water Haul. To sign up contact John at WJ's at wocknwollwjs@aol.com or (423)282-2515.
6:00pm-10:30pm
Live Entertainment on Main Stage with Headlining act Benny Wilson
Sunday May 9, 2010
Fountain of Life Church Events at Freedom Hall Civic Center
1320 Pactolas Road, Johnson City, TN 37604
The Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City/Jonesborough/ Washington County and the Convention & Visitors Bureau officially launched their new tourism brand, “Start Your Adventure” during a Chamber Business After Hours event held at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City.
According to the University of Tennessee Tourism Institute, the tourism trade in Washington County brings nearly $200 million dollars to the local economy which includes $5 million towards local tax revenue. This industry sector supports 1800 jobs and is the 4th largest employer in our area.
“I am so proud to live in the midst of the Smoky Mountains with a natural beauty and quality of life that other’s only dream of, says Robert White, Chairman of the Chamber Board.” “I am so confident of the efforts of our chamber of commerce, the convention & visitors bureau and our shared effort to attract more visitors, and possibly attract new business for a renewed focus that is ready for today’s economy.”
Gary Mabrey stated, “The power behind the chamber of commerce is a triple play of the business and retail draw of Johnson City, the rare glimpse of Early America history offered by Jonesborough and the farmland and vistas of our county. Johnson City, because of its hotels for overnight stays, is the primary reason for our hub and spoke approach to starting here – and spend your money everywhere in Washington County to tourists.”
A new brand video was introduced that showcased the chamber of commerce, convention & visitors bureau and economic development board. The video will be placed on the new www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com web site.
The new brand speaks to tourist with more dollars to spend while they are in Johnson City and the region and we give them more reasons to want to start their adventure here. The integrated advertising campaign has been modernized to reach a new world, driven not just by a brochure or the Internet, but social media that’s outpacing traditional advertising. We have modernized the look of our new exciting Vacation Guide, and printed our first Outdoor Guide.
It’s important that to recognize that potential visitors to our area are doing their homework in determining the best for outdoors, entertainment and values for their vacation dollars. Johnson City, Washington County and surrounding regions provides all of those elements for potential visitors.
