Bean Blossom Boogie?

It’s amazing some of the search terms that come up on our Swicki.  I had never heard of this event before, even though I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Indiana area (not exactly by choice… ;-)  However, when I found the site, I thought it was worth sharing with family members.  Those of you in that area may want to mark your calendars.  It looks like a blast.  Please note that I took this announcement directly from the ABATE site, so please visit them at  ABATE of Indiana.  All text and photos are copyrighted to them and only reproduced here for your information.

Mark your calendar! BOOGIE 2007 July 19-22, 2007

The History of the Boogie

In the Beginning…

 

God created the water, land and the elements. The planet prospered and man evolved. Life was simple and free. But man wanted more. In a quest for true freedom, man created the motorcycle in 1885 and shortly thereafter the biker.

They were a misunderstood group of individuals. Rejected and scorned by society - social outcasts. But that didn’t stop them. They threw the stereotype aside and lived there own life, free and proud. Willing to stand up for their own rights and the freedom of the road.

But that was not enough. Something was missing. They needed a place to let down their hair, loosen up their leathers - be wild and free. If only just for one weekend - maybe the second, no the third weekend in July. When the weather is ideal for camping, music and fun in the summer sun. A voice from above told them, “have a party and they will come.”

When, in the summer of 1980, at a small farm in Kokomo, Indiana, 250 people gathered to celebrate a way of life. Oh what a time they had. “Let’s do it again next year”, they said. And in 1981, they once again gathered in a small town called Atkinsonville - 750 strong!

 But, in 1982, the wisdom of the Indiana ABATE forefathers bestowed upon the biker community a land of riches and beauty. Nestled in heart of Brown County, Indiana, lie a haven of natures finest scenery, welcoming the wayward biker to Bean Blossom. And the first Boogie was born. The bikers came in droves, thousands at a time. Just to spend a weekend enjoying life and freedom in Mother Nature’s arms. Grooving to the sounds of: The Jeff Healy Band; Foghat; Blackfoot; Steppenwolf; The Kentucky Headhunters; David Allen Coe; Molly Hatchet; Duke Tumatoe; Three Dog Night; 38 Special; and others. Free to be themselves and to be with others like them.

 

Boogie Quotes: “It was the most unique experience of a lifetime, and the kindness that brothers showed brothers, touched our very souls.”

 

“Best organized event for that number of people… People were courteous and respectful.”

 

“Thank you for the freedom we were able to experience — freedom to do anything, anytime… Nobody was judgmental and everyone respected each person’s individualness and uniqueness.” “…your Boogie is the best event that ever happened, not only for us but for those 8,000 or so other people. Thanks!”

 

“I’ve been to a lot of parties and the Boogie leaves them all way behind.”

 

Now, whoever knew Hoosiers could party like this?