Snohomish Motorcycle Show Benefits Community Groups

A History Lesson

by Beryl Doane

Snohomish, WA - January 22, 2002 - On a cold January night, the Snohomish Bike Show Committee ventured out on bikes and in cages to deliver a history lesson. Instead of our usual meeting at a local coffee shop, we were heading off to attend the January meeting of the Snohomish Historical Society. Sky Valley Chapter, ABATE of the Washington, had voted to donate a share of the proceeds from the May 2001 show to the Snohomish Historical Society and to the Boys and Girls Club, and tonight was the check presentation.

We arrived as a group at the Historical Society, and waited quietly in the court yard while their members took their places in the meeting hall. We were first on the agenda. Brad Watson, Committee Chairman, and Goathead Bernier, Public Relations, presented a check for $1100 to Windsor Vest, President of the Snohomish Historical Society. Laura Hinds and her son accepted a check for $600 on behalf of Boys and Girls Clubs for the proposed Snohomish Youth Activity Center.

Both groups were surprised by the donations. When asked why these two groups were chosen, Brad replied: "We are sharing with our community. The bike show emphasizes antique and classic motorcycles, and it makes sense to help our local historians."

"The kids need the new youth center. It's our way of helping," said Goathead. The city and several community groups are raising money to build a youth activity center next to the new skate park.

"For the past 5 years, the Historical Society has let us place our dumpster in the alley beside their building during the show. This is our way of saying thanks." said Buck Kelley, past chairman.

The Bike Show Committee members present were: Rose Anderson, T-Bone Anderson, Goathead Bernier, Shirley Bernier, Steve Belyea, Bob Bigger, Beryl Doane, Dave Donaldson, Connie Jordan, Rod Hobelman, Buck Kelley, Tami Laizure, and Brad Watson.

Sky Valley Chapter, ABATE of Washington, presents the annual Old Snohomish Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show each May in downtown Snohomish. The show includes a live stunt performance by the world famous Seattle Cossacks using vintage motorcycles from the 1930s and 1940s. There is a people's choice trophy competition with sixteen categories. About 8000 people attended the one day outdoor show in May 2001.

This year's show is scheduled for May 19. Please join us for the day!

The Bike Show Committee has chosen Camp Hotspot, run by the Snohomish Drug and Alcohol Committee (SnoDAC) as one of it's benefits for the 2002 show. Due to recent funding cuts by the City of Snohomish, Camp Hotspot is in danger of being cancelled for summer 2002. Please join Sky Valley in raising money for this excellent summer program that teaches young teens self-esteem skills for dealing with peer pressure.

For more information on camp Hotspot, call 360-568-8835.