LAUGHLIN, Nev., April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The rumble will be loud and the chrome brightly polished when more than 70,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roar into Laughlin April 25-29 for the 25th annual Laughlin River Run. Started in 1983 with only 426 people, this annual event has grown to become the largest ride-in motorcycle rally in the West, with hundreds of vendors, exhibits and top-name entertainment.
In addition to the giant trade show exhibit areas in casino parking lots along the length of Casino Drive, annual special events include Poker Runs, Custom Bike Show, Miss Laughlin River Run Pageant and test rides on new Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the official motorcycle of the 25th Annual Laughlin River Run available at the Harley-Davidson factory display.
"The Laughlin River Run has everything one would desire from a resort destination coupled with all the manufacturers, distributors, exhibits and entertainment a biker would want," said Joe O'Day, Laughlin River Run organizer. "That's what makes the River Run so unique among bike rallies. There is so much, you can park your motorcycle when you first arrive in Laughlin and never get back on it until you leave."
Top-name entertainment runs throughout the weekend with performances scheduled by classic rock band ZZ Top at the Aquarius Amphitheater, The Fabulous Thunderbirds in Don's Celebrity Theatre, Warrant & LA Guns at the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall and Grammy Award winning blues Guitarist Jonny Lang in the Rio Vista Amphitheater at Harrah's Laughlin.
Among the exhibits set up all along Casino Drive will be a Rolling Art Custom Motorcycle display at the Golden Nugget featuring the creations of Arlen Ness, Corey Ness, Russell Mitchell, and Gard Hollinger -- all veterans of the Discovery Channel's Great Biker Build-Off series and American Thunder TV. The Speed Channel will again be on the scene to produce an episode of the American Thunder TV show.
Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep is an official presenting sponsor of the Laughlin River Run and will have the newest Daimler Chrysler concept vehicles and new 2007 Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models on display. The Jack Daniels traveling museum also will be part of this year's Laughlin River Run.
The Laughlin River Run raises money for charity each year through the Laughlin River Run Foundation. Last years benefactors included Easter Seals, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Colorado River, Colorado River Food Bank, Silver Rider Christmas Fund and American Heroes Foundation, which benefits veterans in the region.
Official River Run event registration starts Wednesday, April 25, in the Starview Showroom located on the second floor at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort. The $45 fee includes an official event bandana, commemorative ride pin, souvenir program and a chance to win a new 2007 Harley-Davidson FXST Deuce and Harley-Davidson merchandise certificates. For information, visit www.laughlinriverrun.com
River Run History
Dal-Con Promotions, Inc., is the originator and official promoter of the Laughlin River Run. Founder Dale Marschke was a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer in Southern California seeking a destination to ride with his customers for a weekend of fun. Dale was a frequent visitor to the area once known as South Point, and became acquainted with Don Laughlin, who had re-opened a bankrupt casino. The town was soon renamed after him. Dale's frequent visits forged a relationship that set the stage for the first River Run in 1983, with just 426 participants. Since then, motorcycle enthusiasts have made the annual trek each April to Laughlin for what has become the largest motorcycle event on the West Coast, with over 70,000 participants meeting at the Colorado River to enjoy four days of fun in the sun.
About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin offers visitors a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This city by the river has grown to include nine resorts with affordable first-class accommodations, 24-hour casino gaming, gourmet dining and outlet shopping. Laughlin, a unique resort destination that welcomes nearly 5 million visitors annually, has also become one of the leading special event destinations in the Southwest. From world-class rodeo action to daring desert racing to an amateur long-drive golf competition, Laughlin has plenty to offer the adventurous spectator.