Corvette Thunder in the Glen, a two-day celebration honoring the legacy of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette and its deep connection to the birthplace of American road racing, will take place this weekend in Watkins Glen.
Celebrating 73 years of America’s Sports Car, the event presented by Elm Chevrolet and hosted by Watkins Glen Promotions will kick off Friday, May 15 at an already sold-out event at Seneca Events Center.
The special meet-and-greet dinner will feature legendary Corvette Racing driver Ron Fellows as the guest of honor, officials said. Fellows will share stories from his career and participate in a question and answer with attendees.
Michaela Christensen, Director Watkins Glen Promotions, said on Saturday, the celebration expands into a full communitywide free festival as downtown Watkins Glen comes alive with hundreds of Corvettes on display, including a special “Generations of Corvette” showcase on the Courthouse Lawn.
“I think the crowd at Saturday’s event will probably double from last year event,” said Jim Guild, owner of Famous Brands on North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. “The word of the event has been spread a lot better, and there will be more, older Corvette models. It’s going to be a real good time for everyone.”
Guild said Famous Brands and several other Watkins Glen businesses did very well last weekend during the NASCAR event, and the Corvette Thunder in the Glen will once again bring thousands of people to downtown Watkins Glen.
“I know that we did very well because of the weather,” Guild said. “We sold a lot of boots, rain jackets and warm clothes. It was really good for us and I’m sure for all the other businesses in Watkins Glen. WGI has had such a positive effect on all of the businesses from April through October. It’s really good to all of us.”
Watkins Glen Village Mayor Peter G. Cherock agrees, saying WGI brings large crowds to Watkins Glen year-round.
“There is always something going on up there bringing more people to downtown Watkins Glen,” Cherock said. “We are very happy to have WGI here.”
At Saturday’s event spectators can enjoy hundreds of classic and modern Corvettes throughout downtown, live music performances, a family activity zone, food trucks and specialty vendors and local shops and restaurants open throughout the village.
Parade laps of the historic Watkins Glen Grand Prix circuit begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Christensen said. Hosted by Watkins Glen Promotions, Corvette Thunder in the Glen continues to grow as a celebration of speed, style, and the lasting connection between the Corvette and Watkins Glen.
“This event celebrates the incredible legacy of the Corvette and its connection to Watkins Glen,” said Tony Vickio, event chair. “From the stunning display of cars downtown to the historic parade laps through the village, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.”
For Corvette owners interested in displaying their vehicles, both Classic and Premium participation packages are available. Spectator admission on Saturday is free.
For event details and registration information, visit the Corvette Thunder in the Glen page at watkinsglen.com
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corvette Thunder in the Glen takes over downtown Watkins Glen May 15-16
Reporting by Jeff Smith, Corning Leader / The Leader
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
