Rally in the Valley

EVENT HISTORY -- Back in February of 2003, Dennis Jones of Jones Realty in Olean, attended a member breakfast of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. The idea of the breakfast is for members to speak on benefits received from the Chamber and also bring ideas to the Chamber to work on/develop. Dennis suggested having a motorcycle event, something like Gowanda's Harley Happening, where bike owners and the community get together and celebrate motorcycles. Six short months later, the FIRST RALLY IN THE VALLEY was held and produced amazing results.

EVENT GROWTH -- Rally in the Valley was introduced to the area by local business leaders who saw what other communities have done with similar events and wanted to bring that same type of experience to Olean. They knew the event would draw many people from outside the area and the longer they ran the event the larger it would grow . In addition, they knew there were many bikers in this area that would love an event like this that was close to home. Since 2003, the event has grown: in terms of number of days held (2-3); number of dice run participants (149 - 683); number of contests (3-6); and spectators (2,500 - 6,230).