Rev ‘em up
Hollywood Happening returnsBy TIM LATSHAW
Article Photos
GOWANDA - The 11th Annual Hollywood Happening opened beneath clear, cool skies Friday, the only thunder to be heard coming from motorcycles gathering into the center of Gowanda.
The three-day event with the goal of restoring Gowanda's Historic Hollywood Theater kicked off with the traditional bike parade that takes off from Gowanda Harley-Davidson. A steady stream of bikes filled the dealership's lot to line up as riders - many being regulars to the event - congregated and surveyed each other's machines.
Hope Ruttenbur of Gowanda said she has been taking part in the Hollywood Happening from year one and met new people through the experience.
"I've gotten to know some people quite well," she said.
"It's like the start of summer," said Sally Snow of the Seneca Nation. "It kicks off summer and bike riding season."
While the majority of bikes are Harleys, other makes are welcome and variety in models and paint jobs is a big point of interest at the festival. Snow had her bike's paint and upholstery modeled after her pink leather jacket, while the flag-trailing ride of Gowanda Harley-Davidson president John Reid honored veterans and fallen soldiers with a painted scene of the Viet Nam War Memorial.
Once all the bikes made their way down the parade route and parked en masse on West Main Street, local and area officials and sponsors were on hand to officially welcome all comers to the festival.
Mark Burr, president of the Gowanda Historic Hollywood Theater Board, took a moment to honor fellow member Robert Murphy, who passed away May 3.
"We want to say to Robert 'we love you,'" Burr said. "And I know you're looking down on us; you brought the good weather. Thank you for all the memories."
Following a welcome by Gowanda Mayor Richard Klancer Cattaraugus County Legislature Chair Crystal Abers spoke of the potential the Hollywood Theater may have for bringing more life back to Gowanda's faded business district.
"The project is a great opportunity for the revitalization of not only the downtown business area, but also to the village of Gowanda," Abers said. "As a county, we have seen that many villages have struggled to retain their downtown businesses and downtown activities. Through the restoration of the Hollywood Theater ... let's hope that changes the trend and let's hope it gives a vision for one to want to be downtown."
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, a Gowanda resident himself, has played a substantial role in helping fund the restoration of the Hollywood Theater and was at the opening ceremony to thank those who are doing the same, calling activities such as the festival one of the reasons local representatives have to boast in Albany.
"The reason we brag is because of the people that are in our communities," Giglio said. "Not just because you saw a need - we needed to restore the Hollywood; all you guys came together ... to help us restore this. So I always say Western New York is where the good-hearted of New York are from, and you guys have proved that again tonight."
State Sen. Dale Volker spoke, adding well wishes from Sen. Catharine Young. Gowanda is divided between the two senators' districts and Young, a regular supporter, was unable to attend this year.
"I just went into the theater and looked through (it)," Sen. Volker said. "It's a great cause and I can tell you, if I have any opportunity to be helpful, I will."
Assemblyman Jack Quinn Jr. gave a short greeting but it appeared to resonate well with the festival's attendees.
"Any time you can come together and have a lot of fun, drink a few beers, enjoy yourself and, on top of it, do something good for your village, that's a good thing," he said.
Sponsors were named and thanked. The largest sponsors of the festival were given special notice. Gernatt Asphalt Products and Gowanda Harley-Davidson each donated $5,000 to the theater restoration and Wolf's Run and Seneca Gaming Corporation each donated $2,500.
Reid took a moment to ask those in attendance to consider donating platelets to Roswell Park Cancer Institute as his brother, Tony, is battling blood cancer there. Support of Roswell Park also plays into the Second Annual Mooseriders Charity Ride to be held Saturday. All proceeds from the ride will be split with 50 percent going to Roswell Park, 25 percent to Mercy Flight and 25 percent to the family of injured soldier Donald Woodard, Jr. Registration for the ride will begin at 9 a.m. with departure at 11:30 a.m.
Other attractions through the weekend include:
Today
Bike Rodeo: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., South Water Street;
Only Humen: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., main stage;
Rip and the Band Dogs: 4-8 p.m., main stage;
Poison Whiskey: 9 p.m. to midnight, main stage;
Sunday
Ride-in bike show: registration 10 a.m. to noon; voting noon to 4 p.m., West Main Street;
No Excuses: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., main stage;
Tattoo contest: registration 12:30-2:30 p.m. on West Main Street; contest 3 p.m. on main stage;
Sean Patrick McGraw: 4-7 p.m., main stage;
Closing ceremonies: 7 p.m., main stage.
Both days will feature regular performances by pogo acrobats. the Pogo Dudes, as well as the Eden Chopper Class. The Hollywood Theater itself will also be open for viewing, with a presentation of the progress that has been made in its restoration. Vendors and a beer garden will also be open both days.
Send comments to tlatshaw@observertoday.com
