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Willie made it official that the final Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Old School Show will be March 10, 2011 during Daytona bike week 2011. It is the end of an era. A smart move to end the show at its peak rather than let it die. It is the most popular event of Biketoberfest and Bike Week. But the next to last show party and happening is the subject we are on now.

For the umpteenth time the most popular happening in Daytona Beach is the Old School Show at Willie’s Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach. From a crazy idea to a major Daytona event in a few years, ya gotta hand it to the former Boothill Saloon bartender and give him an A+ for creativity and success. Call it what you want, a bike show, a biker party, a paparazzi pig-out, it is the best happening in Daytona. Free parking, free admission, and cheap food (on-site, Publix, Sonic, Subway, Chinese take-out within a hundred yards.)

The Chinese food there is my favorite this side of Chinatown in New York or San Francisco. They’ve been putting out great food for years. Publix is a full service supermarket with sandwich makers and lots of finger fast food. Sonic is your standard Sonic. For those who need meds, Walgreen’s is next door. Bright and early Thursday morning Marcus preps the property for the hordes of approaching entrants, bands, workers, security workers, T-shirt people, and the artists that will tattoo during the madness. The party, the largest event of Biketoberfest, was smaller than previous events at Tropical due to the fact attendance was lower overall. In spite of the faltering economy, hotels still were way overpriced. You figure!

The band played, bikes were judged, girls sold beer, and it was the usual controlled madness. People were shocked by Willie’s announcement that the march 10th show would be the end. The following is from him.