18th Annual "Thunder on the Lot" at the Lancaster Fairgrounds.
Lancaster, CA - I just enjoyed another “Thunder on the Lot” at the Lancaster Fairgrounds in Lancaster, CA. It was their 18th annual event (which is driven by Ron and Yvette Emard of Robertson’s Palmdale Honda and Antelope Valley Harley Davidson) to benefit thousands of children through scores of charities which have shared over $3 million to date.
It takes an army of vendors and volunteers to make this a sucessful event. It attracts both young and old. Saturday there is a small $10 fee to enter to see plenty of hot rod and low rider vehicles, an endless supply of motorcycles, drifting, charities, community organizations. Plus vendors with great information and kids rides, Sunday is free. Both days have great cover bands that all would agree, sound just like Journey or Led Zepplin – if you closed your eyes. Please see both the following pictures and its website to get a grasp of the depth of this quality and fun-filled event. www.thunderonthelot.com
Excerpt from the site's main page: The Kids Charities of the Antelope Valley proudly supports local charities that direct all of their funds and hard work towards assisting disadvantaged kids of our community.
As the event has grown, so have the donations, with $3,000 collected the first year to an upwards of $336,000 collected at recent event’s. Since 1994, the Kids Charities of the Antelope Valley has collected over 3 million dollars, of that 2.9 million has been raised from Thunder on the Lot proceeds. These funds go directly to supporting the “Kids Charities of the Antelope Valley.”
The success of the Thunder is attributed to the collective efforts of many; Robertson’s Palmdale Honda employees, AV Harley-Davidson Employees, numerous local businesses, hundreds of volunteers and a supportive community truly makes Thunder what it is. It’s a genuine grass-roots event that is fully organized and operated without a paid staff, just enthusiastic volunteers.
Untiring commitment, dedication, money and support are the ingredients contributed by all of the committee members and volunteers. “If it weren’t for them Thunder simply wouldn’t exist,” says Ron Emard, founder of Thunder on the Lot. www.kidscharitiesav.com
Paul T. Glessner
I am a journalist/member of AARWBA and an affiliate with Motor Press Guild. Oh, by the way, I am an aerodynamicist with 24 years of aircraft design and flight test experience. I am a commercial pilot and have a website aeroseminars.com where I consult on vehicle aerodynamics.