By DEREK HODGES

Staff Writer

SEVIERVILLE — There’s a very obvious reason why they call the annual motorcycle rally honoring America’s military Smoky Mountain Thunder.

“It’s loud,” a young boy shrieked as he cupped his hands over his ears at the fairgrounds Saturday next to a herd of revving hogs.

The thunder came early to Sevier County this year as organizers prepare for the 10th anniversary ride, which will be held on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day. A fundraiser was held this weekend to help raise some of the more than $5,000 it takes to put the event on annually.

The festivities ran nearly all day, featuring live music, vendor displays and competitions, including, as that little fellow learned, a loud pipe contest that challenged participants to make the most-deafening noises they could with their two- and three-wheeled rides.

“We’re having a lot of fun here today as a fundraiser for the Smoky Mountain Thunder ride on May 30 this year,” event organizer Ron Giddis said. “It should be a good day and we’re expecting a great turn-out. I’ve been getting calls for weeks from all over from folks wanting to know about this. We’re hoping we’re going to just load it up.”

The American Eagle Foundation set up a booth at the event that included the national symbol standing above a mounted flag, while the Sevierville Police Department offered child safety programs and displays of the skills of its K-9 officers. Meanwhile, paying vendors offered their wares to ticketed visitors, with all the money from the event directed to funding the special anniversary ride.

“This is a special year for us because of the 10 years, but every year we do this is special,” Giddis said. “I used to go to the Rolling Thunder Memorial Ride in Washington and one year I was riding back with a buddy of mine and I asked him, ‘Why isn’t somebody doing something at home like this?’ Well, one thing led to another and I became somebody.”

As organizers like Giddis make plans for the anniversary year, they’re well aware this event, like those before it, will cost a pretty penny. That’s why they decided to hold the fundraiser.

“When you do a tribute to fallen military members, it should be done with the utmost respect and dignity,” Giddis said. “We’re not going to do something halfway.”

In an effort to attract folks to the event, the group brought in live music, catered food and offered trophies in contests that rewarded the owners of the best-looking, best-burning-out and loudest bikes, as well as categories including best patriotic tattoo.

Jay Hobbs, a ride sponsor who operated a booth at Saturday’s event, agreed with Giddis that the effort must be top-notch to capture the respect the participants have for those who gave their lives for their country.

“I believe in what they’re doing here,” Hobbs said. “This is all about honoring the heroes. They deserve our utmost respect.”

Hobbs and just about every man in his family served in the military, covering every branch except the Coast Guard. He said he understands the importance of remembering fallen soldiers, having fought under the red, white and blue himself.

That’s why he helped organize the Patriot Heart Riders of East Tennessee, which pays tribute at military funerals, send-offs for departing soldiers, and even memorials for law enforcement and other emergency responders. It’s also why Hobbs has participated in Smoky Mountain Thunder for nine of its 10 years.

“It’s a great event and we’re proud to be a part of it,” he said. “Every year it just keeps getting bigger and bigger, and better and better.”

dhodges@themountainpress.com