Panama City Beach Welcomes Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (March 7, 2007) – Known as the “The Most Biker-Friendly, Free Rally in the United States,” The upcoming Thunder Beach May rally is expected to draw as many as 65,000 bikers from across America to this premier seaside destination. Panama City Beach revs up for an action-packed weekend of sun and fun during the annual Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally.

Fire up those engines for a full lineup of Thunder Beach activities, as participants and spectators alike celebrate motorcycles and the people who “ride to live and live to ride.” This event kick’s into gear on Thurs. – Sun., May 3 – 6, 2007.

Thunder Beach spring rally features a fully loaded weekend of motorcycle showmanship, vendor exhibitions, bike accessories and apparel, as well as live entertainment, local restaurant sponsors, free contests and giveaways – all hosted by four venues on Panama City Beach. Parking and admission is free to all participants.

The Shoppes at Edgewater is home to the official Thunder Beach Bike Show. Cycle enthusiasts can stroll among 75,000 square feet of vendor exhibits, or purchase souvenirs from the official Thunder Beach merchandise tents. Local and regional entertainment performs daily on the main music stage from 11:00 a.m. -- 11:00 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. Visitors can also snag a front-row seat for the Sgt. Kevin Kight Memorial Thunder Beach Bike Parade, which salutes the fallen local police officer and raises food and monetary donations for Bay County children and families through the Cops for Kids program. The parade lines up just across the street from the Shoppes at Edgewater at 10:00 a.m., Sat., May 5, 2007.

Boardwalk Beach Resort kicks off this year’s rally by playing host to the Full Throttle Magazine Welcome Party, Fri., May 4. Visitors find more than 40,000 square feet of merchandise vendors and exhibitors, both indoors and outdoors. The beachside "Party Pavilion" features live entertainment, contests and cool refreshments, while the Convention Center is home to the official “Miss Thunder Beach” contest.

At Spinnaker Beach Club and Paradise Grill, J.B. Walker & the Cheap Whisky Band provide live entertainment throughout the week with the group’s special brand of "American Motor Music." Featuring indoor and outdoor stages, Spinnaker offers a full lineup of activities and contests, including a "ride-in" vendor village with more than 25,000 square feet of biker merchandise and displays. Enjoy fresh seafood and burgers hot off the grill in the outdoor dining tent while the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.

National vendors and exhibitors set up shop for the Manufacturers & Bike Builders Village located in the Panama City Beach Special Events facility in Frank Brown Park. Take a demo ride, shop for parts or accessories and sample fresh seafood and other culinary delights offered by favorite area restaurants.

For more information on the 2007 Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally, call toll-free (888) 396-1638 or visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination was cited as one of America’s Most Beautiful Beaches by Condé Nast Traveler, 2006. Additional recognition as a top beach destination comes from The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit wwww.visitpanamacitybeach.com.