Honda Hoot, which has brought about 18,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to Knoxville each year for the past six years, plans to keep coming through 2009.
One of the largest organized multi-brand motorcycle rallies in the nation, the Honda Hoot runs this year from June 21-24. Future Honda Hoot dates are June 20-23, 2007, June 18-21, 2008, and June 17-20, 2009.
The event is estimated to have an approximate economic impact of $25 million per year. Knoxville first hosted the Hoot in 2001.
"By placing a strong emphasis on investing in the communities we do business with, Honda has been able to create a win-win-win situation for everyone connected with the Hoot - riders, the motorcycling industry and the greater Knoxville area - year after year, and we are happy to be continuing this tradition in Knoxville," said Charlie Keller of American Honda.
There are several parties in downtown Knoxville associated with Honda Hoot that the general public may attend. On June 21, "Bike Night" revs things up at Knoxville's World's Fair Park at 6 p.m., where all attendees may have fun to benefit a worthy cause. "Bike Night" will feature a carnival-theme with games and food, with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This fun-filled evening will close with the spectacular "Fire in the Sky" fireworks show. While attending the event is free, there will be a nominal charge for games and food.
An "On Any Sunday" movie screening will be shown at the Tennessee Theatre on June 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. Malcolm Smith, star of this classic motorcycling documentary, will host the evening. Smith, the Grand Marshal of the 2006 Honda Hoot, was inducted into the Motorcycling Hall of Fame in 1998, and is an eight-time gold-medal winner in the International Six Day Trials, a European cross-country motorcycling event. Tickets for the "On Any Sunday" showing can be purchased at the Tennessee Theatre box office.
To top off the Honda Hoot, on June 24, downtown Knoxville's Gay Street will close for "Saturday Night on the Town." The thoroughfare transforms into a street party with three different stages, live music, a variety of food and beverages and a children's activity area on Market Square.
Additionally, Honda Hoot features pre-planned rides every day and all registered rides include lunch. Planned rides include tours to Roan Mountain, Oak Ridge and Douglas Lake just outside Dandridge, Tenn., where riders will see speedboat demonstrations and a Honda Marine watercraft display. The brand-new "Hooty Owl's Wild Ride," is a fund-raiser ride benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, where riders will choose their own destination.
The demonstration rides at the Honda Hoot offer a unique opportunity to experience dozen of brand-new bikes. On-site motorcycle professionals will show off all the neat bells and whistles of new BMW, Buell, Victory and Honda models and will also provide guided tours.
Also offered at the Honda Hoot are youth familiarization rides for children, ages seven to 12. Staff will provide riding gear and riding tips from MSF and SVIA instructors. The child's legal guardian or parent will need to be present and sign required waivers at the Honda Hoot headquarters at Knoxville's Chilhowee Park. Information on exact times and locations for rides are available by calling the Honda Hoot information line at 800-347-1289.
Honda Hoot general activities begin daily, rain or shine, at Knoxville's Chilhowee Park at 8:30 a.m. Daily passes are $15 and include a one-day pass to the vendor expo, demo rides, and access to other activities within the park. To reach Chilhowee Park from Interstate 40, take exit 392.=