By Mary Drier (Contact / Staff Bio)
April 29, 2009 - 10:49 a.m. EST

FAIRGROVE — The annual Tribute to the Troops - Thunder Across the Thumb, and bike show and run is this weekend.

Activities start Friday at Thumb Motorcycle Chrome LLC at 1660 East Caro Rd. (M-81) with a bike show. Registration is 4-7 p.m. with judging at 7 p.m. Plaques will be awarded for peoples choice, best of show and there will be three grand prize drawings. There is a $10 registration fee. Plus, there will be hot dogs and chili available.

Saturday and Sunday is time to remember those who have served their country, for those who died doing that, and for those who are still in the Armed Services. Both events will be at the VFW Hall Post 7486, on Dutcher Road, Fairgrove.

Saturday’s activities start at 9 a.m. There will be 50-50 drawings, refreshments, a memorial ride, a blessing of the bikes, followed by a lunch.

The line-up for the ride starts at 11 a.m. with a return time to the VFW about 4 p.m. The fee for that event is $10.

On Sunday is the annual Thunder Across the Thumb ride that draws hundreds of bikers from throughout the area.

Activities start at 9 a.m. with a breakfast until 1 p.m. that is open to the public and costs $6.

“Line-up for the ride starts at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall, goes across county to end at the Sandusky Airport,” said Fran Gainforth, who is helping to coordinate the event.

The run is open to everyone in any kind of a vehicle. It doesn’t have to be a motorcycle, but those who do ride will be required to wear a helmet.

For more information on this event, call Ken Gainforth at (989) 674-8468.

Also, the Sandusky Airport will be hosting a fly-in along with a breakfast from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost for breakfast will be $6.

The bikes are expected to arrive about 1 p.m. and there will be a candy drop and a war museum display.

There will also be lunch items available at the airport 12:30-2:30 p.m.

To help support these efforts, Thunder Across the Thumb T-shirts and mugs are available for sale and can be ordered by calling (989) 674-8468

Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.