Rally in the Valley offers tour, support
Photo submitted by Otis James Shawn Castro of Warren founded the Thank a Vet Dam Run to raise funds for local veterans in Warren. In 2018, Castro handed the reins for the event over to a committee of dedicated volunteers, including Jeff and Michelle Frailey, and Otis James. The group founded Rally in the Valley to expand upon Shawn’s efforts and continue his legacy of support for veterans.
Honoring a local hometown hero: Shawn Castro’s legacy lives on through a charity motorcycle ride known as “Thank a Vet Dam Run,” where supporters ride across the Kinzua Dam.
Photo submitted by Otis James Shawn Castro of Warren founded the Thank a Vet Dam Run to raise funds for local veterans in Warren. In 2018, Castro handed the reins for the event over to a committee of dedicated volunteers, including Jeff and Michelle Frailey, and Otis James. The group founded Rally in the Valley to expand upon Shawn’s efforts and continue his legacy of support for veterans.
Honoring a local hometown hero: Shawn Castro’s legacy lives on through a charity motorcycle ride known as “Thank a Vet Dam Run,” where supporters ride across the Kinzua Dam.
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The late Shawn Castro, a decorated Navy veteran who dedicated his life to supporting fellow service members, left an indelible mark on Warren County through his vision, patriotism, and community leadership.
After serving eight years of active duty with the U.S. Navy, Castro’s work with the Army Corps of Engineers brought him to the Kinzua Dam. Following his safe return from Operation Iraqi Freedom, he answered a new call to duty at home, founding the area's first local veterans' hardship fund, the Hometown Heroes Fund.
He also established and directed five annual, patriotically themed motorcycle events celebrating the historic first public ride over the Kinzua Dam. What began in 2008 with Castro's Six Gun Choppers fabrication shop and American Legion Post 135 has not only endured, but has continued to expand in his honor.
The ninth Annual Rally in the Valley festival with the "Thank a Vet Dam Run" and charity ride will take place this Saturday with registration beginning at 8 a.m. at Betts Park at 100 Ludlow St., Warren. This all day charity motorcycle and music festival supports the Warren County Veterans Emergency Fund with all of its proceeds. A $25 donation per bike includes the ride to cross the dam, and to also participate in the charity ride. Passengers ride free.
At 10:30, riders will be escorted along Route 6 to Route 59 by local and state police departments to the Kinzua Dam. Riders will cross the dam and end this portion of the all day event on Hemlock St. at the Warren Eagles Club, 2101 Pennsylvania Ave. E.
The Eagles Club is the first and final stop on the 93-mile, seven-stop Charity Ride. Other stops include two military oriented clubs and three taverns and restaurants, all of which enthusiastically support the event.
Maps and directions will be printed and available at registration. Bikes will travel from the Eagles Club to the Kane VFW, followed by stops at the Wilcox American Legion, the Dam Inn, also in Wilcox; then onto Tacks Inn located in Lewis Run. Docksiders's Cafe in Clarendon is the last stop before returning to the Warren Eagles Club where an after party will be waiting and ready.
Beginning at 5 p.m., the Eagles Club will provide music, featuring Lil' Warren and the All Night Rhythm and Blues Band. Food will be available along with a cash bar, door prizes and a 50-50 raffle, with all proceeds benefiting local veterans.
While COVID-19 downsized the original three-day festival to just one day, it could not shrink the hearts of the community. Eight years running, the Rally in the Valley brings together hundreds of dedicated supporters and has raised more than $62,000 for the Warren County Veterans Emergency Fund. From a humble beginning of 200 bikes, the rally surged to 460 participants in 2025, leaving organizers in hopes of exceeding 500 bikes this year.
For more information check out the Rally in the Valley Facebook page.
Donations can be sent to Jeff Frailey, 68 Linda Lane, Warren, PA 16365. Please make checks out to the Warren County Veterans Emergency Fund.
Saturday is the beginning of a weekend defined by local generosity, while organizers of the Rally in the Valley extend their full, enthusiastic support to the benefit taking place the very next day at the Warren Eagles Club for young Cooper Kossack. It is a powerful reminder that when a call for help goes out, the heart of this community beats as one.