On Thursday morning, June 4, the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement regarding the upcoming 39th Annual Fall Ride event, planned for mid-September
“Tomahawk Fall Ride is a region-wide event which spans several venues and area businesses, with multiple events hosted by multiple organizations. As the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce it has always been our role to share each of those events with the masses. At this time we have not heard from all of our area organizations or businesses. As decisions continue to be made we will continue to share. We support our organizations and businesses as they make difficult decisions. We look forward to the MDA activities returning to SARA Park in 2021.
“Currently we have heard from Bubba’s Big Party that they will be holding events and host camping during the week of fall ride, we will share their entire schedule and plan once they have been finalized.
“Tomahawk Main Street Inc, is currently meeting to discuss modified events in our downtown area including but not limited to the Friday Night Thunder Parade.
“Two larger venues Holly’s in the Lake Nokomis District and Bonnie and Clyde’s Gangster Park located on Hwy 51 are still determining their next steps.
“Aside from these larger events the Tomahawk Fall Ride activities span from Wausau to areas north of Minocqua. Among chamber member businesses alone we have approximately 9-12 bars, restaurants and businesses who provide events and entertainment during the weekend event. Outside of Tomahawk we can expand that list to about a dozen more. Each of those businesses will be making their own determinations on how to proceed.”
About Fall Ride: The Tomahawk Fall Ride is an annual motorcycle rally in Tomahawk, WI. The rally is one of the largest cycle rallies in Wisconsin, drawing more than 40,000 riders to Tomahawk each September, and it’s a major fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Their event features live entertainment and showcases the newest motorcycles and accessories from Harley-Davidson, which has two manufacturing facilities in Tomahawk. The Fall Ride is the largest local fundraiser for MDA in north-central Wisconsin but the event has extended to include many venues around the region. Downtown activities benefit local and regional organizations and are organized by The Tomahawk Main Street Association. The weekend includes free events in SARA Park and throughout downtown, tours of the Harley-Davidson plant and a vending/music festival called Bubba’s Big Party held in Nokomis Town Park, about 9 miles north of downtown Tomahawk. Tickets for Bubba’s Big Party can be purchased in advanced or at the gate. Bonnie and Clyde’s Gangster Park located just north of town on Hwy 51 will have live music. Holly’s Bar and Grill provides live music nightly and 300 camping sites. Many local establishments and attractions hold their own special activities, live music and specials in conjunction with the Tomahawk Fall Ride. A 2018 Economic Impact survey conducted by the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce concluded the economic impact of the event is approximately 24.3 Million annually across the region..