Published: November 10, 2008 12:31 am      

CONVENTION: Car enthusiasts visit in August for meeting.

The International Thunderbird Convention is motoring into Lockport next summer at the Holiday Inn on South Transit Road.

The hotel announced Monday that it will host the 16th annual convention, which will be held Aug. 24 through 30. The convention will welcome members of the International Thunderbird Club, as well as other Thunderbird car enthusiasts. About 250 to 300 Thunderbird conventioneers are expected to attend.

“This convention will not only sell out our hotel for an entire week in the summer, but also bring business to Lockport and the area attractions,” Terri McDonald, Holiday Inn director of sales, said. “More than 100 classic Thunderbirds will also be on display at the hotel for area residents to view.”

Over the course of the six-day event, the Holiday Inn will be the host hotel, and other accommodations may also be used for additional lodging. The convention organizers are working with local tour companies to arrange sightseeing excursions to Lockport, Niagara Falls and other county attractions during the week.

According to the club’s Web site, www.intl-tbirdclub.com, the convention will include seeing attractions such as the Lockport Caves and the Lockport Canal Cruises and Boat Tours. The club will also visit Niagara Falls, Old Fort Niagara and the Medina Railroad Museum.

John Percy, president and chief executive officer of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp., welcomed the club members and their families. He said the NTCC was excited and looking forward to showcasing Lockport and all of the area’s attractions to the members. The club extended the convention by a day to accommodate seeing more attractions.

“It’s not only tourists, but these types of conventions bring an economic impact to the region, as many of the attendees visit attractions, stay in local lodgings and dine in our restaurants while they are in town,” Percy said.

Based in Nashville, the International Thunderbird Club is a family-oriented Thunderbird organization for the preservation and encourages use of the Thunderbird cars. Founded in 1993, the organization currently has more than 1,800 members from more than 10 countries. The club takes Thunderbirds of all years, from 1955 right up to the present.