Bikers Battling Cancer launched event details for the Powassan Motorcycle Rally taking place on the Canada Day long weekend yesterday evening. The Powassan Motorcycle Rally will feature live entertainment, onsite events, a show and shine, contests, a Canada Day parade and the Wheels of Hope motorcycle ride. Proceeds from the rally will support cancer care programs at North Bay Regional Health Centre. Smith originally pitched the event to North Bay City Council back in October, but North Bay passed on the opportunity. Smith went right back to work, seeking out the Powassan Agricultural Society and says the event quickly came to be with the city more than happy to host it. Smith says Mayor Al McDonald and the staff in North Bay were great to work with, but at the end of the day, they have restrictions and guidelines they have to follow. He says unfortunately, they just couldn’t put it together.
Smith says the Agricultural Society has been awesome to work with, as well as Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac. Smith says he and his group have been nothing but well-received and welcomed. Smith added they are hoping for around 3,000 people to attend each night for the concerts, but the venue has a capacity of 3,500, so there is room for growth. McIsaac of Powassan says the rally is sure to bring many tourists to Powassan and surrounding areas. He says they are looking forward to welcoming attendees to Powassan, and showcasing the community while celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary. McIsaac says they are excited by the potential that this has, and how big it could possibly get. He also added that sales will be tracked online, because they don’t want people to come and not have a good time because it’s too crowded. Plans are also being made to allow businesses to be open on Canada Day, there will be a policing plan for the event as well and the Powassan Sportsplex will be open for showering and washroom use.
Daytime activities are free, and participants can enjoy the nightly live music by purchasing a $20 weekend wristband. Ride for Wheels of Hope registration and campsite packages are available online at bikersbattlingcancer.ca. The rally is kicking off the weekend with an 80’s tribute band SKROU, who will open for Who Made Who an ACDC tribute band on Friday, June 30th. On Canada Day participants can attend a pancake breakfast hosted by the Lion’s Club. The Canada Day Parade and an evening of live music by the KISS tribute band, Rock and Roll Over. On Sunday, July 2nd join the Wheels of Hope motorcycle ride and enjoy the fireworks display at Glendale Park. Evening live music by Blue Radio a Blue Rodeo tribute band and Ultimate Urban a tribute to Keith Urban.
President of the NBRHC Foundation, Tammy Morison, says they are focused on raising funds for cancer care, and they’re really excited that the Bikers Battling Cancer will be donating their proceeds to the foundation. Morison added the need for new equipment to battle cancer at the hospital is high, and events like this will really go a long way in raising funds to help purchase that equipment.
