Ribfest 2010 – Third Day: Thank A Vet Dam Run
Warren held its 7th annual Ribfest this past weekend. The Ribfest is a four-day event. Bob and I attended Ribfest each day, beginning on Thursday afternoon (July 15). We listened to Paul Eisert in concert on Thursday afternoon. On Friday we listened to two Rock-n-Roll concerts. The first concert was the band “Jack the Dog”. The second concert was the band “The Earthquakers”.
On Saturday we participated in the second annual Thank A Vet Dice Run (known this year as the Thank A Vet Dam Run). The run began at Betts Park, the site of Ribfest, and took riders across the top of Kinzua Dam. Riding across Kinzua Dam was a memorable experience. Access to the roadway crossing the top of the dam has not been accessible to the general public, pedestrian or motor vehicle in many, many years. Bob grew up in Warren. Saturday was the first day in Bob’s lifetime (he is 50+ years old) that he crossed over the top of Kinzua Dam.
Our friends, Susan and Dave, on the dam roadway
Bob and I, after we had crossed over Kinzua Dam
Our friend, Susan, took this picture. She held the camera, backward, over her head while riding across the dam.
Susan’s smile says it all.
It was a memorable experience crossing over Kinzua Dam!
From Kinzua Dam, we rode approximately 140 miles stopping in Sheffield PA, Wilcox PA, Smethport PA and at Wolf Run Marina on the Allegheny Reservoir before returning to Betts Park in Warren PA. At each designated stop, participants drew a card out of a bag. The card drawn was recorded on each participant’s score card. The winner of the event is the participant who makes the best five card poker hand at the end of the event.
Shaw House in Sheffield, PA
Dave, Susan and Bob at
American Legion Post 467 in Wilcox, PA
V.F.W. Post in Smethport, PA
In the parking lot there was a karaoke contest, with hot dogs and drinks that could be purchased (not visible in this photograph). The organizers of the karaoke contest weren’t aware that approximately 150 motorcycles would be stopping by. They sold lots of hot dogs and drinks!
Wolf Run Marina on Allegheny Reservoir near Warren, PA
At 4:00 PM we departed Wolf Run Marina en route Betts Park in Warren. At Betts Park we entered a staging area. The motorcycles then paraded through the Ribfest grounds to special parking in the grassy area alongside the river. It was a WONDERFUL ride.
An estimated 150 motorcycles participated in the Thank A Vet Dam Run, raising more than $2,000 for the Hometown Heroes Fund (an emergency fund for Warren County, PA, veterans). A special thank you goes out to all the ribbers at this year’s Ribfest for contributing food for those who participated in the Dam Run.
Back at Betts Park, site of Ribfest
Shawn Castro, the owner of Sikx Gun Choppers and organizer of the Thank A Vet Dam Run, hands over an envelope containing the $2,000+ to a representative of the Hometown Heroes Fund.
Stay tuned; more Ribfest posts to come!
The Beauty Around Us 
6 Responses to “Ribfest 2010 – Third Day: Thank A Vet Dam Run”
What fun, and as a Vet I say, you're welcome.
What a nice tribute for vets Linda! I met a guy at Walmart the other day that had a prostheses for one leg just below the knee. I thanked him profusely for his sacrifice for our country!Judith
Wow—what a fabulous day, Linda… That “Thank a Vet” ride had to be very very special… AND–I'm so glad that Bob finally got to cross the dam… That's neat!Glad you had a wonderful Ribfest…Hugs,Betsy
You guys sure do get around on those bikes. :)What a nice way to honor vets. I say Thank you to you for getting involved and a Big thank you to our vets!!
Linda: This is certainly a worthy cause. I'm proud of you.
Wow that is so awesome that they were able to raise that money for local vets!