They’re popping up in towns all across America: streets lined with restored cars and motorcycles with glistening chrome, bringing back memories of the past. Often, alongside them are the best examples of modern engineering and future concept vehicles. Car and motorcycle shows have been bringing in huge crowds of people in neighborhoods from coast to coast. Thursday night, Johnstown was the scene of “Motorcycles on Main Street.” The event, hosted by Vintage Cafe, brought hundreds of motorcyclists from across the country, and brought hundreds of people to the colonial era city to visit local businesses.
“Absolutely, this is good for Johnstown,” said Vintage Cafe owner Linda Joseph when asked about the event’s turnout.
The popular Johnstown eatery held a barbecue outside their storefront, and music was provided by Midnight Drive. The group began playing four years ago when the four young men were in high school. The group featured Zachary Linart on guitar and lead vocals, Bo Hyde on bass guitar, Matt Robinson on rhythm guitar, and Gary Hendry on drums. The band played selections of classic rock, southern rock, and more for the crowds which increased as the night went on.
Several area businesses took advantage of the packed city streets to introduce themselves to new patrons. There were Star Wars characters greeting visitors in front of the hobby shop Toying Around. Vince’s Pizza, on 118 Main Street had every table full during the event with many patrons wearing the familiar black Harley Davidson t-shits. The “home of the big slice” served up many slices Thursday night.
Vintage Cafe also sponsored a classic car show along Main Street in June and this year was the 20th anniversary of that show. But, you can’t have a classic car show without a motorcycle show.
“It was requested by motorcyclists,” Joseph said. “If you have a classic car show, then you have to have a motorcycle show.”
Vintage Cafe is located on 21 West Main Street, Johnstown, NY. For more information on special events and more photos of the shows visit their Facebook page.
(All photos by Scott Mulford)
