City ‘absolutely full’: Parade, events draw huge crowd

June 28, 2009 12:15 am

— A huge, possibly record Thunder in the Valley crowd turned out on Saturday to enjoy music, food, a parade and acres of bikes.
“Town was just absolutely full today,’’ said Lisa Rager of the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
As to whether the crowd was an all-time high, she said, “It seems that way to us,’’ though final numbers will not be in until later in the week. Rager said the beautiful weather played a part in bringing out the crowds.
Stunt cyclist Tommi Ahvala thrilled the crowd at the train station with his two-wheeled acrobatics.
“The big jump at the end was pretty wicked,’’ said Tyler Hulburt, 13, of Johnstown, clutching a $2 poster of the rider. “All the tricks were cool.’’
You didn’t have to be a kid to enjoy the stunts.
“It was an excellent display of athletics,’’ said Stan Smith Jr., who drove in from Carlisle.
Those attending the massive motorcycle rally learned how Biker Billy cooks with hot peppers and enjoyed the Jake and Elwood Blues Revue, a takeoff on the Blues Brothers. Shorts, jeans and leather were the order of the day and do-rags caught the sweat.
Local favorites the Michael O’Brian Band and Giants of Science played before appreciative crowds at the Biker Mall and in Richland Township, respectively.
Amanda Kline of the York area relaxed on the riverwall. She was waiting for some friends who were taking demo rides on an ATV.
“It’s nice. I’ve never been to anything like it,’’ she said.
Her crowd came in Friday and will be leaving today.
This year, Thunder in the Valley took on a greenish hue, recycling cooking oil to be made into diesel fuel.
Rosalie Danchanko, president of concrete and construction company Danchanko Inc. of Johns-town, said that in past years, the oil has been spilled on the streets, creating a danger, and wound up in the sanitary sewers.
So her company asked vendors for their used oil to be processed by the company into diesel.
“You almost get a gallon for gallon return,’’ Danchanko said. The company bought a processor and can turn out a gallon of diesel for 80 cents to $1.
“It’s a good thing for the environment. It’s a win/win for the community. What we can save on fuel we can pass on to our customers,’’ Danchanko said. “We want to promote awareness. You can’t ever stop conserving fuel.’’
The rally wraps up today.

Photos

The Tribune-Democrat