A group of motorcyclists pass by a few of the early arrival bikes as they ride up First Street in Snohomish heading in for the Sky Valley Motorcycle Show in fall 2021. While the weather saw drizzles in the morning, it took until midday for the event to get into full swing.
SNOHOMISH — Thousands of motorcycles from across the state will descend on the city Sunday, May 15 for the 25th annual Sky Valley Motorcycle Show.
Last year, COVID restrictions forced postponement of the show until September, and attendance was down.
But otherwise the cycles have been a First Street staple each third Sunday in May.
“We’re excited to be back in May,” said co-organizer Rod Hobelman. “May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.”
About 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which includes live music, 17 food vendors, and a performance by the Seattle Cossacks motorcycle drill team. It’s a free show that runs most of the day, and for a good cause.
Proceeds from the show will be divvied between several community charities such as the Snohomish Food Bank and Snohomish Senior Center. Past years’ contributions have totaled around $3,000.
More than 150 motorcyclists have registered to compete for trophies in specific categories as well as overall best in show. In-person registration ($15) will be open Sunday between 9 a.m. and noon.
Besides contestants, Hobelman estimates as many as 3,000 spectators’ cycles will fill downtown.
“Snohomish is the only city that does a show this size,” he said. “We get people from all over the state.”
The show is run by the Snohomish-based Sky Valley Chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education), a motorcycle rights organization that brings attention to issues affecting riders.
“We’ve expanded the advertising this year,” Hobelman said. “We’re hoping for a great show.”
For more information, call 360-926-4265 or visit www.skyvalleybikeshow.com
