WNY Round Up Rally

There was a big turn out today in Batavia for the WNY Round-Up Rally.

City Slickers crowned Batavia's Chris Laird (bottom photo) the 2012 Hot Dog Cup champion after he beat out runner-up James Soccio (above), and the other contestants in the last seconds of the contest. Laird was able to down eight and a half of Nathan's brand hot dogs in the 10 minutes alotted.

Soccio, who was a close second, downed eight hot dogs. The annual cup was part of the WNY Round-Up Rally that took place all weekend. Contestants had to eat the dog and bun for it to count and were given a cup of water to dunk the bun if they chose. 

Hundreds of bikers converged on Downtown Batavia today for the 2nd Annual WNY Round Up Rally.

At one point, just about the entire length of the south side of Main Street was lined with parked Harleys (mostly), Triumphs, Ducatis and Suzukis.

The bars and restaurants were full and of course there were vendors to visit and live music in Jackson Square.

The rally continues on Sunday.

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The WNY Round Up Rally got off to a soggy start, but it is under way.

By tomorrow, thousands of bikers with bright, shiny Harleys and Triumphs, and maybe an Indian or two, are expected to fill the streets of Downtown Batavia.

There's only a 30-percent chance of rain, so perhaps we'll have a nice weekend for the round up.

At least it should be clear enough at times for all of us to make our way to Main and Jackson.

Bottom photo: You could win this sculpture and help contribute to canine health at the same time.

City workers have closed School Street, along with all of Jackson Street for today, Saturday and Sunday, in order to make room for motorcycles and street vendors participating in this weekend's Round Up Rally. The rally, which last year hosted more than 2,500 bikers, was moved downtown in order to increase the number of vendors and bikes who could attend.