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. 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.”