Rally ready for big weekend

This weekend marks a first for Cottonwood’s signature Old Town event: After years on Main Street alone, Thunder Valley Rally will be split between two venues.

Bikers will be heading into town in the hundreds, perhaps even thousands, for the event, which takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16, from 4 to 10 p.m. Last year’s TVR attracted over 8,500 people. Until approximately 5 p.m., Main Street through Old Town will be shut down to accommodate daytime events, including two small venue music stages and vendors.

After that point, activity shifts to Riverfront Park — or, as it will be known this weekend, Freedom Bird Entertainment Park.

“TVR is here to stay, and will continue to provide a safe, fun weekend for bikers and non-bikers alike,” said Karen Vernetti, chairwoman of the TVR Committee and owner of D&K Service Cycle and ATV. “With the growing numbers, we needed to make long-term plans of how TVR will expand and grow outside of the confines of limited space in Old Town.”

Headliners at the Freedom Bird Entertainment Park’s Law Tigers Main Stage are Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Friday and Blue Oyster Cult on Saturday. On both days until closing, the park will feature freestyle motocross events. Tent and RV camping in the park area will be available this year for “no driving” access to attendees’ sleeping quarters.

A weekend pass for the event, which includes access to all entertainment and concerts, is $10 per person. A free shuttle between Old Town to Freedom Bird Entertainment Park and campground will run on a regular schedule.

Those who arrive on a motorcycle receive free event parking in Old Town and the Freedom Bird Entertainment Park and campground. Those arriving in an automobile will be charged a $5-per-night parking fee at the park and campground.

Two retailers in Cottonwood are offering advance, cash-only tickets: Central Arizona D&K Cycles, Service and ATV, 1752 S. State Route 260, and Cottonwood Motorsports, 2550 S. Union Drive. Other advance ticket sales locations in Northern Arizona, the Phoenix metropolitan area and Tucson are listed at thunder valleyrallyaz.com.