Feeling the sound of Thunder...

An estimated group of 700 motorcyclists drive down East 8th North Street on Sunday as they completed the drive from Meridian during this year's Patriot Thunder event. Celebrating its eighth anniversary, the observance seeks to raise money to benefit military veterans and their families, including those with the Idaho National Guard at Gowen Field and others stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

The rumble of thunder came to Mountain Home just after noon on Sunday as around 700 motorcycles came through town on their way to Carl Miller Park.

Patriot Thunder celebrated its eighth year raising money for Operation Warmheart at Mountain Home Air Force Base and the Idaho National Guard Family Support Fund.

Participation in the past has varied from 600 to 1,000 riders whose combined efforts raised more than $250,000 over the past seven years. This year, the organizers hope to get that up to $300,000 with this year's donations.

Hundreds of motorcycles lined North 10th East Street as the riders met to chat following this year's ride from the Treasure Valley.

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Mayor Rich Sykes watches as his wife, Kim, and their grandson, Greyson Barnhart, draws the winning ticket for a 50/50 raffle — one of the fundraisers held in conjunction with Patriot Thunder.

Col. Jefferson O'Donnell, 366th Fighter Wing commander at Mountain Home Air Force Base, took time out of his schedule to help feed those who completed the trek.