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Honda Hoot roars into town

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. � For the seventh consecutive year, Knoxville welcomes more than 16,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to town June 20-23 for the 14th annual Honda Hoot, one of the largest organized multi-brand motorcycle rallies in the nation.
While Honda Hoot creates a wonderful reunion-like atmosphere for attendees on vacation from across the country, the variety of activities and events � from vendor exhibits to demo rides, from organized self-guided tours to street parties � offer lots of fun for area residents, too. In fact, Thursday, June 21 is �Tennessee Day.� Guests presenting a valid Tennessee driver�s license can purchase a daily pass for just $7, more than half off the regular price.
Additionally, Honda Hoot features planned rides every day for all registered attendees. Planned rides includes tours to Roan Mountain, Cumberland Gap and the �Cherohala Scenic Skyway Ride� that climbs over a mile high into the Blue Ridge and snakes through the legendary Deals Gap.
The demonstration rides at the Honda Hoot offer a unique opportunity to experience dozens of brand-new bikes. On-site motorcycle professionals will show off all the neat bells and whistles of new BMW, Triumph, Victory and Honda models and will also provide guided tours.
Attendees may also enjoy a riverboat breakfast cruise on the Star of Knoxville riverboat and whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, among other activities.
This year�s event will feature several �street parties,� which are a chance for Honda Hoot attendees to enjoy Knoxville after a long day of East Tennessee motorcycle riding. On Wednesday, June 20, �Bike Night� will take place in World�s Fair Park from 6-10 p.m., featuring live music, games and concessions. Then, on Thursday, June 21, the Civic Coliseum will open its doors for the �Knoxville Icon Contest and Back to the �50s� party, where event attendees may enjoy music, dancing and a singing contest where the winner will be crowned �Knoxville Icon.�
Finally, on Saturday, June 23, from 4-11 p.m., �Saturday Night on the Square� will take place on downtown Knoxville�s Gay Street and Market Square, featuring four stages of live music, a ferris wheel and an �Artist Alley,� where local artists will exhibit their artwork. �Saturday Night On the Square� is free and open to the public.
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. For general information about Honda Hoot, please visit www.hondahoot.com online or call the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC) at (865) 523-7263.
Officials with the KTSC project that the 2007 Honda Hoot will bring approximately $23.1 million of economic impact into the Knoxville/Knox County community.