by Jeani G.

OB’s Restaurant and Lounge in DeLand hosted Russ & Bob’s 17th annual Panhead/Shovelhead/Antique Party on November 18th … and to say this year’s event was a success, would be an understatement! Hundreds of old-school motorcycle enthusiasts rode in under beautiful sunny skies to enjoy a day full of food, fun, awesome bikes and great music!

With so many beautiful vintage Harleys, our esteemed panel of judges: Marshall, Marvin, Walter, Cap, and featuring Willie from Tropical Tattoo, definitely had their work cut out for them in selecting the winners from a total of 61 entries:

• Stock Panhead – Mark Hampton – 1958 FLH
• Custom Panhead – Robert Green – 1949
• Stock Shovelhead – Billy Oremovich – 1984 FLHX
• Custom Shovelhead – James Roth – 1974
• Antique – John Bartman – 1923 Model J (Cannonball Run participant)
• Best in Show – Gary Margoni – 1948 Flathead
• People’s Choice – presented by Lulu and TJ of Thunder Roads Florida to Lisa Musolino for her 1979 custom Shovelhead

Live music by Beautiful Bastards and Hot Streak kept the crowd rocking all day long. Pinup Parlor Boutique hosted a pinup girl contest, and 95.7 HOG radio did a live feed sponsored by Rue & Ziffra. You could play Giant Jenga with Bill Grotto of Twisted Tea, test your throwing arm at the “Dunk the Hottie” tank, take part in a 50/50 raffle or enjoy a delicious Pulled Pork Sundae served by Rob, TK, Al and George with proceeds going to Toys 4 Tots.

Dave served up platters of smoked chicken and ribs, while Mama T’s Sweet Treats offered goodies like funnel cake, deep fried oreos and hot boiled peanuts. Other vendors included Sherzer Insurance, jewelry and T-shirts tents, and Yuengling girls passing out fun promo items. Mark Hall Riding & Flying filmed the day’s activities – his video can be found on YouTube. Hundreds of amazing photos were taken by Lulu, TJ, Sherry and Ava and can be viewed and shared on Facebook under OBsBarDeLand and ThunderRoadsFlorida.

Kristie and Ken did an awesome job organizing the event, and OB’s staff (Kristie, Linda, Dani, Keelie, Bobbi Jo and Eric, as well as Jason, Ellen, Stephen and Tony) did an amazing job serving the vast crowd. Our parking volunteers CJ, Steve and Zack kept traffic moving, while Nancy and Jan jumped in to help Jeani at the registration desk and hand out the People’s Choice voting stones. A special “Thank you” goes out to all of our sponsors, vendors, staff and volunteers who made the day a huge success!

No doubt, there’s always a good time to be had at OB’s in DeLand. OB (Ron), Tina and Kristie serve up heaping helpings of hospitality and host various events every single week, raising money for charities and helping those in need throughout the community. Be sure to come out to OB’s for their Wednesday Bike Nites – starting at 6 pm, featuring live music and food and drink specials … great service, great people and lots of fun! Hope to see you there!