Rachel Baldwin | Daily News

Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, last year’s inaugural Rally in the Valley was a major success, with a multitude of people from all over the country attending. Forecasts appear favorable for this year’s Rally.

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Rachel Baldwin

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON — The sound of thunder is predicted to be heard rumbling within the City of Williamson this weekend, as motorcycle enthusiasts flock downtown for the three-day 2013 “Rally in the Valley” event.

The Appalachian Brotherhood Riding Club, of Sidney, Ky., are the proud founders of the annual event that made its debut this year and according to the Public Relations officer for the club, Paul Price, the 2013 event will be bigger and better with more to offer those in attendance.

“We’re anticipating a large crowd this year and we’ve been planning and organizing events for the rally that are sure to please motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages,” stated Price. “We want to invite everyone from near and far to come to Williamson and be a part of the 2013 Rally in the Valley.”

The rally will open with a motorcycle ride planned to begin at 1 p.m. today, with sign-up starting at noon at the Sycamore Inn on 2nd Avenue in Williamson. Those participating will be treated to a back roads, country setting that will take them through different locations within the county. The ride is scheduled to conclude at approximately 5 p.m., which is when the 40 plus vendors will be set up in preparation to peddle a large variety of wares and food. The official kick-off party begins at 5:30 p.m. att the stage set up at on 1st Avenue and Logan Street. The band “Curmudgeon” will take the stage at 6 p.m. to rock the crowd, with “One in the Chamber” following at 8 p.m.

Saturday morning, the rally vendors will be open for business at 8 a.m. and live bands will begin entertaining the crowd at noon, as local favorite Katie Curry takes the stage. Rena Jones will be performing at 1 p.m., followed by 5th Wheel at 2 p.m., Mountain Station at 3 p.m., Pure Grain at 4 p.m., The Usual Suspects at 5 p.m., Foz Rotten and his Dirty Scoundrels at 6 p.m., Chad Hall and his Route III Band at 7 p.m., and the last group of the evening will be Southern Wind, beginning at 8 p.m.

At 2 p.m. on 1st Avenue (location may change depending on the amount of entries), the Bike Show will take place. At 3 p.m., the biker games are set to begin on 2nd Avenue. The tattoo contest for both males and females will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the “Miss Rally in the Valley” contest at 7 p.m., with a $500 grand prize up for grabs. A central registration booth for all the above listed events will be located in front of the Historical Coal House on 2nd Avenue.

On Sunday, the event will conclude with a “Sheriff Eugene Crum Memorial Poker Run”, with all proceeds being donated to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department Memorial Fund that was established in honor of the late-sheriff’s dedication to fighting drugs and serving the residents of Mingo County. A $15 fee will be charged for each bike participating. A Sunday morning worship service will be held at 11 a.m. prior to the ride.

“I want to say a very special thank you and express our deepest gratitude to “Team Moore” and the Mingo County Commission for their financial support of the rally,” said Price. “Without their help and sponsorship, we would never have been able to pull the event off this year. I also want to thank the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Natalie Young, for all of her help.”

Price stated that he hopes the weather cooperates this year, but added that no biker he knows is afraid of a little water.

“Come on out to the 2013 Rally in the Valley,” stated Price. “It’s going to be an awesome time for everyone; we’re hoping it will be one for the record books!”