STURGIS – Motorcycles will once again be driving through the streets of Sturgis to support the city at this year’s Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Between 3,000 and 10,000 attendees are expected for this year’s three-day rally starting Aug. 14, which will include rides throughout Oktibbeha County, concerts and around 15 vendors.
“Everybody is invited. … This is not just for the town and not just for the people registered for the (rides),” Sturgis Mayor Jerry Bean said. “This is something that (the community supports) us in, and we need their support to keep putting it on every year.”
The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Diane Jackson Memorial Park with a cruise-in organized by the Choctaw Cruisers, which will include motorcycles, cars and trucks from anyone who would like to participate, said Bean. The cruise-in will be followed by an opening concert at 7 p.m. by the Full Circle Party Band.
On Aug. 15 Mississippi Highway Patrol will escort the Dinner Ride, which will leave from Sturgis at 4 p.m. and drive to Village Cycle Center Powersports in Starkville for dinner and continue travelling through Louisville and Ackerman before making the return to Sturgis, Bean said.
Organizers are asking those interested in the Dinner Ride to pre-register and purchase a $20 wristband so they can get a head count for the dinner, Roben Dawkins, a member of the organizing board for the rally told The Dispatch.
Following the ride there will be another concert at the park at 8 p.m. featuring a performance from The Garrett Oswalt Band.
On Aug. 16 registration will open at 10 a.m. for the Mid-Mississippi Sound Off and Bike Show competition, with awards scheduled for 11 a.m. Organizers expect anywhere from 50 to 100 entries, Bean said, adding that it will also feature a sound and lights competition at 12 p.m.
Also at 10 a.m. there will be a $20 benefit poker ride with pre-planned stops in Ackerman, French Camp and Maben, where riders can build their poker hands. The rider with the best hand will also receive a prize. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Throughout the day six bands will be performing downtown and at the park, including Bob Birchfield and Bo Thompson, The Band U.S. and Steve Denson, Bean said.
Visitors can purchase a wristband for $20 for access to all three days of the rally.
Following the three days of events, there will also be a blessing of motorcycles by the Christian Motorcycle Association on the morning of Aug. 17, Dawkins said.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 24 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
