(Binghamton, NY)  Broome County STOP-DWI is pleased to announce that the 2009 Chris Thater Memorial will expand to include the Chris Thater Memorial Music Festival. The Chris Thater Memorial - recognized as one of America's premier cycling and running events - will now feature a music festival including eleven bands. The Chris Thater Memorial will take place August 29th-30th at Recreation Park in Binghamton.

 

“Now, attendees will not only get to watch world class racing but be bale to enjoy some outstanding local entertainment,” said James May Broome County STOPDWI Coordinator and founder of the Chris Thater Races. “If you have not been to a professional cycling and running event, I encourage you to come experience the thrill and athleticism right here in the City of Binghamton. We have a great line up of local performers and exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

 

2009 marks the 26th year of the Chris Thater Memorial. The event is organized to heighten awareness about the drunk driving and to promote healthy lifestyles. It is named in honor of Chris Thater an avid cyclist who was killed by a drunk driver. The event is free and open to the public.

 

The following performers are helping to kick off the inaugural Chris Thater Memorial Music Festival: Randy McStein, The Scott Freeman Band, Dirt Farm, The Boogiemen, Pasty White and Double Wide, Parlor Cats, The Stoddard Hollow String Band, Voodoo Highway, The String Band, The Shambles and Taze Yanick.
 
The Chris Thater Memorial Music Festival will take place at Recreation Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday August 29th and from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday August 30th.
 
The Chris Thater Memorial includes a large expo/vendor display area with a food concession by Lupo's. The Chris Thater Memorial will also feature performances by Will Stafford, a unicyclist and juggler and Mike Steidley, a national champion stunt mountain bike trials rider.
 

 

STOP-DWI stands for "Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated". The STOP-DWI Program was enacted by the State Legislature in 1981 for the purposes of empowering county governments to coordinate local efforts to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes within the context of a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining alcohol and highway safety program.