For those who live in Van Wert, Ohio, the last weekend of July always means one thing: it's time for the Wetzelland Motorcycle Rally! This year (2012), that weekend is the 27th, 28th, and 29th. People come from all around the U.S., Canada, and even some international riders make their way to this small town in Ohio to swap items, check out the awesome entertainment, compete in games and a bike show, and much more. Wetzelland is for adults only, so you do have to be 21 to get in to the event. It's not a family-friendly affair like some of the other bike rallies.
This rally is hosted by the Wetzel Motorcycle Club. The club has been around since 1986, when a group of friends started tinkering with a bike. One of the first official acts was to decide to host a huge biker party the next year to raise money for the needy. Less than 500 people showed up for the first rally, but since then, it has grown.
What's going on at Wetzelland this year? There will be performances by the Gunz and Shockwave on Thursday, Brownsville Station on Friday and Saturday, and Jonny Lang on Saturday. There's also a bike show, a tattoo contest, an AMA-sanctioned poker run, and much more. One major part of the rally is the swap meet. You'll find other bikers eager to trade parts for things they need, plus you'll find vendors selling new and used parts, biker gear, wholesale motorcycle patches, and much more. Just about anything and everything will be available at this rally for the right price.
All the money raised by the Wetzelland Motorcycle Rally will go to help a number of local charities.
