After 10 years of promoting Bubba's Honda Drop in Union Grove, WI (see Easyriders videos or Easyriders magazines 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 or Biker Lifestyle magazines 1985) and being involved in the Mole Lake Bluegrass Festival for the same 10 years, Bubba found a home in Tomahawk, an area of Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods. With it's towering pines, rolling sandy countryside and hundreds of lakes, it has become a dream come true to live and work in a such a beautiful setting. In 1990, Bubba started the Colorama music festival, also known as the Tomahawk Fall Ride event, held at the Corner Pub on Highway 8 (now known as Oak's Pub). The music headliner was Tom Grizzly Adams and the attendance was a whopping 100 people. In 1991, Tuck Pence and Irene Keenan provided the entertainment. The crowd grew and everyone had a great time. Moved in 1992 to the shore of Lake Nokomis at the Bull and Beaver pub, the event was there for two years and featured The Fabulous Whales Band. The Bull and Beaver burned down and is now condominiums. In 1994, we were back to Highway 8 at the Corner Pub and featured Head East and Storm. The crowd was more than 5 acres could handle. In 1995, the featured music was the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The size of the crowd had us seeking a larger venue for the next year. In 1996, we moved to the Speedway parking lot featuring The Kentucky Headhunters and Storm. Tthe crowd was continuing to grow - as well as the number of vendors. In 1997, we took over the entire Speedway grounds. Music was by Blue Oyster Cult, Storm, and Tuck Pence. Storm and Tuck Pence have returned as regulars every year since. In 1998, the music headliner was Molly Hatchet. We expanded the camping and vending areas. In 1999, the record setting crowd was treated to a fantastic performance by Joan Jett. In 2000, Rick Derringer and Black Oak Arkansas rocked us in the new millennium. The event name was changed to Speedway Music Fest. In 2001, Quiet Riot was scheduled to play but airports were closed due to events of 9/11. Scrambling for a replacement, Bubba was able to convince Head East to drive all night to make the party. To everyone's delight they put on a fantastic performance. With emotions running high, it was a special night for those attending. In 2002 the Marshall Tucker band played to an enthusiastic crowd of thousands. Additional fields were open for camping. New vendors were added. Saturdays rain failed to dampen any spirits.
In 2003 the Lyndard Skynard show with Jimmie VanZant wowed everybody with a great performance! Storm, The Dukes & 9 Volt Lucky rocked everyone with great shows also. 2004 found us with the best weather in a decade. Four days of sunshine and beautiful warm weather resulted in record attendance for the camping, music, and swapmeet areas. We added the Saturday Bike Rodeo, which is open to all who want to participate. Jimmy Van Zant's Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute returned backed up by Storm, 5 Mile Scream, 9 Volt Lucky, The Dukes, Magnum, Tuck Pence, and Captain Ron. We also built a new permanent shower house this year! In 2005, once again, perfect weather gave us larger than ever attendance. FOGHAT thrilled the huge crowd with a great show. In 2006, we moved to a wonderful new site at Nokomis Park with 160 acres of beautiful level grassy camping. We also added a custom chopper bike show, a custom car show, lawn tractor and barstool races on a permanent track. Also a great new shower facility, campground store, and over 100 vendors with all kinds of merchandise and food. Music highlights were provided by GEORGIA SATELITES and a fantastic show by THE OUTLAWS BAND. Attendance exceeded our wildest expectations, but there was still room for more! Now it's your turn to become a part of this great event in 2007! For 2007, Friday will be remembered for two reasons--29 degrees with snow flurries and an absolutely wonderful performance by SAMMY KERSHAW. Saturday saw record crowds for the Lawn Tractor Races, shopping the Vendors, and the Car and Bike Shows... and much warmer weather! 38 SPECIAL performed for a capacity crowd that really enjoyed the show. Cooler weather failed to dampen spirits at the Big Party of 2008, which featured entertainment by headliners BLACKFOOT and CONFEDERATE RAILROAD. Crowds were also pleased to see the return of favorites such as BLACK FROG, TUCK PENCE, IRENE KEENAN and SLAB. Friday night we were proud to introduce JERRY SCHMITT & COUNTRY EXPRESS and Saturday SCOTT YVONNE & UNISUN kept party-goers rockin'. Plenty of Vendors, Motorcycle Races, Car and Bike Shows made for a fun-filled weekend.
Please contact us if you have any questions.