Wetzel party this weekend

WETZEL - At 22 years old, Wetzel's annual swap meet is all grown up.

And like any 22-year-old worth his or her salt, Wetzelland is ready to party.

The annual celebration will once again fill its 100-acre property with motorcycles, bike enthusiasts, vendors, bands and more, said Tony Krick, a member of sponsor organization the Wetzel Motorcycle Club. Proceeds from the event will benefit various local charities.

Those who attend the event come from across the United States, Krick said. Many people include Wetzelland into a long pilgrimage to the annual biker rally in Sturgis, S.D.

"We've got people who drive from opposite sides of the country to meet each other here," he said. "We don't even try to keep count. We can come close to filling 100 acres."

While camping at Wetzelland or hanging out for a day, visitors can browse various vendors or participate in tattoo contests or a bike rodeo. In the evenings, visitors can rock out with several local and national bands. This year, rock/blues act The Dave Lawson Band will headline today, while Pat Travers Band will headline on Saturday.

"I think this is their first appearance (at Wetzelland) for probably both of them," Krick said. "But they've played their fair share of biker parties and biker events. They've been around."

To partake of the fun, however, Krick said visitors do need to follow a few rules. Primarily, only those adults 21 and older are allowed on the grounds. Certain items are also prohibited from the festival: among these are firearms, fireworks, pets, glass, ATVs.

According to Krick, there is one last item you should check at the door: your attitude.

"Don't come in with an attitude," he said. "This is a party where people come out to be themselves. As long as (people are) not offensive to others, it's pretty much an open party."

Wetzelland 2008

WHEN: Noon today through Sunday

WHERE: 20508 Van Wert-Paulding County Line Road, Van Wert

COST: $40; $10 to park cars, trucks and trailers, free parking for motorcycles.

FOR MORE INFO: For camper rates, RV rates and other information, call 419-587-3826 or visit www.wetzelmc.com.

Today

6 p.m.: The Dogz

8 p.m.: The Dan Lawson Band

10 p.m.: The Burnt River Band

Midnight: 69 Band

Saturday

6 p.m.: 69 Band

8 p.m.: Pat Travers Band

10 p.m.: The Dogz

Midnight: The Burnt River Band