BIG WINNERS -- (L/R) Lester Weiss of Bay City, Max Wright of Fenwick and Mary Jane Ragan are all smiles after winning the big prizes at the Stevens Cycle Sales 45th Anniversary celebration on Thursday night. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)
Stevens' Cycle Parties To Celebrates 45th Anniversary
Thousands come out to enjoy a night of food and music
March 29, 2012
By: O. J. Cunningham
Bill and Debbie Stevens supplied the food, beer and wine.
Steve Armstrong and the 25 Cent Beer Band supplied the music and entertainment.
Emcees Josh Sharrow and Shawn Doyle kept everything moving along.
And a couple thousand friends of Bill and Debbie Stevens showed up to make the 45th Anniversary Party at Stevens' Cycle Sales a night to remember.
There were drawings and raffles and 50-50 prizes. Lucky winners won scooters and 4-wheelers. The girls danced to the Steve Armstrong music and the kids raced between the motorcycles.
It was an awesome night.
Stevens' Cycle opened in 1967 by Bill Stevens Sr. because of his love for motorcycles and snowmobiles. Today it is one of the oldest and finest power sports stores in the country and is run by Bill Sr, his family and his friends.
Stevens' Cycle has grown from a specialty shop to one of the largest multi-line dealers in the area. Stevens' Cycle prides itself on its customer service - "We know how important it is to be taken care of and to have someone you can trust," owner Bill Stevens said.
Business owners, cycle enthusiast as well as friends and family were all on hand to take part in the anniversary celebration.
WILLEW owners Jody Royal and Scott MacKenzie were on hand to take part in the celebration. "Bill and Deb Stevens have always been deeply involved in the community," Royal said. "We've all benefited from what they've done in Bay City." Royal went on. "Being here is just our way of showing support for Bill and Deb and letting them know how much we appreciate all they've done for the town."
STEVENS' CYCLE TIMELINE
1967 -- Stevens' Cycle Opened Current Location
1969 -- Bridgestone Cycle Stops Selling Cycles
1969 -- Stevens' Cycle Started Selling Suzuki
1982 -- Yamaha Added to Inventory for Sale
1985 -- Kawasaki Comes on Board
1990 -- See Doo Added
1995 -- Stevens' Cycle Expands into Midland
1995 -- Suzuki, Honda, Polaris added to the cycle Family
1997 -- Celebrated 30 Year Anniversary
2007 -- 40 Years in Business
2012 -- 45th Anniversary
FAR AND NEAR -- It was elbow to elbow all night as the crowd gathered at Stevens' Cycle to celebrate Debbie and Bill's Big Night. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)
Service and customer satisfaction have always been important to Bill and Debbie Stevens. Bill Stevens was all smiles after receiving the Yamaha Pro Sales Award for 2011. Wes Nolde, Yamaha District Manager was on hand to make the presentation.
"We're very proud of the award and work very hard to earn it every year," Bill Stevens said. Stevens went on to say that all employees receive many hours of training during the year at places like service schools, etc. "This Yamaha Award belongs to everyone that works here," Bill Stevens continued. Stevens' Cycle Sales employs 30 people.
Yamaha District Manager (Left) Wes Nolde presents the Yamaha Pro Sales and Service Award to the Stevens Family. Accepting are Debbie Stevens, Bill Stevens and Bill Stevens, Jr. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)
BOOT SCOOTIN' -- Steve Armstrong and the 25 Cent Beer Band provided the music and entertainment as dancers kept the dance floor jammed full all evening. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)
ALL IN THE FAMILY -- Scott MacKenzie and Jody Royal from WILLEW Lounge were on hand for the festivities. Pictured are: Top to Bottom and L/R Scott MacKenzie with Caleb Conway on shoulders, C.J. Conway with Chayton Conway on Shoulders, Jody Royal with niece Caitlin Foco and Shannon Conway. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)
CELEBRATE -- Last Choice Country Radio's Josh Sharrow and Jodi K from "The Moose" were both on hand to help the Stevens' Cycle Sales crew with their 45th Anniversary celebration. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)