By Jalen Maki

Tomahawk Leader Editor

TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk will once again feel the thunder as the 41st annual Northwoods Fall Ride rumbles into the city next week.

After more than four decades, the annual motorcycle rally continues to draw thousands of visitors to Tomahawk, where riders can take in the scenic sights of the Northwoods and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

This year, a slate of events is set to take place from Thursday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 18.

Chamber’s Bonfire and Brat Fry

If you’re looking to kick off Fall Ride with a bit of tradition, look no further than the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Bonfire and Brat Fry.

The event, featuring brats, cold beverages and live music by Brian McLaughlin, is set to take place at SARA Park on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The bonfire is provided by the Tomahawk Fire Department, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Chamber.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 715-453-5334.

Thunder Parade

All riders are invited to take part in the Thunder Parade on Friday night.

Lineup for the parade starts at the Tomahawk School District complex at 5 p.m., with departure at 6 p.m. Riders will wind their way along area backroads before returning to downtown Tomahawk, where W. Wisconsin Ave. will be lined with spectators watching the parade roar through town.

In years past, upwards of 1,000 riders have taken part in the decades-long tradition.

Downtown Tomahawk

Those looking to catch some live music will find no shortage of it in downtown Tomahawk.

Tuck Pence and Mike McAbee will kick off the tunes on Friday, each performing from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pence will be on 2nd Street and Main, while McAbee can be found on 3rd and Main.

After the Thunder Parade, at about 7:30 p.m., Storm will take the stage on the east end of W. Wisconsin Ave. for the Friday Night Street Dance.

Saturday’s live music downtown kicks off at 1 p.m. with Brad Emanuel on the east end of W. Wisconsin Ave. Ron Denson (2nd and Main) and Juan (3rd and Main) will both perform from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

At 4 p.m., Older Budwiser will take the stage on the east end of W. Wisconsin Ave., followed by Vada’s Rockhouse at 7:30 p.m. for the Saturday Night Street Dance.

Along with live music, vendors will also be set up downtown throughout the rally.

SARA Park

Three days’ worth of Fall Ride activites are scheduled to take place at SARA Park, 900 W. Somo Ave.

The Community Blood Center will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15. To schedule an appointment, call 800-280-4102.

Beginning at noon on Thursday, merchandise vendor displays and sales, featuring leather, clothing, motorcycle products, jewelry, and leather sewing, as well as a variety of other products, will be available for purchase. Official Fall Ride merchandise will also be available, and food and beverage vendors will be on site.

On Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17, Harley-Davidson will offer demo fleets, providing the opportunity a ride on any one of the 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Northwoods Fall Ride Bike Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with judging take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

SARA Park will also feature a slate of live music throughout the weekend. On Friday, Scott Kirby will perform from 10 p.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Bogfoot from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Virginia Steel will kick off Saturday’s live music from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Influence will perform from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Merchandise vendors and displays and official Fall Ride merchandise, as well as food vendors and refreshments, will be available at SARA Park throughout the rally.

Breakfast with a Vet at VFW

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2687 in Tomahawk will continue its Fall Ride tradition of hosting Breakfast with a Vet from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee, juice and all-you-can-eat pancakes will be available for $12.00 per plate. The VFW will also be serving Bloody Marys.

Those attending Breakfast with a Vet can find Fall Ride Vet pins at the VFW.

All proceeds collected will support local veterans, the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation and the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Tomahawk Leader’s Fall Ride Guide

The Tomahawk Leader’s Fall Ride Guide is a must-have to be in the know about the rally.

The guide can be found at businesses throughout the Tomahawk area, as well as downtown. Flip through to find info on the history of Fall Ride, live music, events, vendors and more, and be sure to stop by local businesses that have placed advertisements throughout the Guide.