The city of Johnstown is getting everything set to welcome thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts for Thunder in the Valley, which kicks off Thursday morning.

Most of the events are to take place downtown. Look for food and fun at the War Memorial, Central Park, the Train Station, or the new Folkfest festival grounds, the Biker Mall behind the Town Manor Hotel and Point Stadium.

But Johnstown isn't the only place you can catch Thunder in the Valley activities. There are also events in Ebensburg and Windber.

The city of Johnstown is torn apart by construction though. So will it have an impact on one of the city's biggest tourist-attracting events? There is one saving grace. The changes for Vine and Market Streets are on hold until after the 4th of July. Those two streets are soon going two way again.

The demolition of the Swank building could be a problem though. You may have gotten used to the street closures and the demolition. But visitors this weekend could get confused. However the workers hope to have the front of the building down in the next two days and hopefully Bedford Street open by this weekend, in time for Thunder in the Valley. Paul Munshower, of Johnstown, doesn't think it gives Johnstown a bad reputation. He tells Channel 6 News, "It's an inconvenience right now and there's a lot of fuss about the bikers coming in. But I think it really helps out Johnstown in the long run."

Lisa Daily is with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. She agrees, "When you go to other areas and visit areas that are vibrant, you see construction, you see detours, you see road work. So I think it's really a signal that things are happening here and in the Johnstown area."

Here are some of the other events taking place this weekend in our region. Check out "Wheels and Wings" this Thursday night in Ebensburg. It features car, bike and truck shows along with some great wings. The third annual BMW Riders campout runs Friday through Sunday at Pioneer Park campground in Somerset.