Niagara Falls is about to become Harley Davidson country.
More than 1,700 owners of America’s signature cycle will roll into downtown today to kickoff a three-day celebration of all things Harley-Davidson.
The 20th anniversary rally for the New York State Harley Owners Group, or HOG, is expected to draw Harley fans from 23 different states as well as Canada, Ireland and England.
“We are excited to bring the HOG rally back to its beginnings in Niagara Falls,” said Paul Fedorsak, site coordinator for New York State HOG. “The rally is a great mixture of Harley owners from all walks of life, from truck drivers to doctors to retired military vets to name a few. It’s an opportunity for riders, not only from New York state, but worldwide to share their common love of motorcycling and the passion to ride Harleys.”
The Harley-Davidson company formed the national HOG back in 1983 to give riders an organized way to celebrate their love of the company’s bikes. New York’s HOG chapter has been around since 1988, the year it celebrated its first ever rally which was held in the Falls.
Fedorsak said more than 1,400 riders were pre-registered for this weekend’s event and another 200 to 300 are expected to register at the host site, Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel.
“Everything went really well,” Fedorsak said of the treatment his group received from officials in Niagara County. “The city and the county really stepped up. The Niagara tourism bureau did a great job. We couldn’t ask for anything better. It’s going to be a fun rally.”
Activities directly related to the rally are private and for HOG members only. Harley owners will be participating in rides throughout Niagara County during the weekend and will also hold a parade through downtown Niagara Falls and around Goat Island on Saturday afternoon.
John Percy, president and CEO for the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp., said the event is expected to have a total economic impact on the Niagara Region of more than $900,000.
“We welcome HOG back after a 20-year absence and look forward to showcasing the region,” Percy said.
This weekend’s HOG rally will coincide with the casino’s 2008 bike show which is being held at the Seneca Niagara Events Center. The show, which starts Friday and runs through Sunday, will feature more than 125 bikes and will include special guest appearances from Eddie Trotta of Thunder Cycle Design, Roger Bourget of Bourget’s Bike Works, Redneck Choppers and more. The event is open to the general public. Admission is free to Seneca Players Club members and is $10 for non-members.
Local News
Related Photos
-
DOUG BENZ/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
-
DOUG BENZ/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
NIAGARA FALLS: Getting ready to go HOG wild
More than 1,700 Harley owners expected for weekend event in the Falls
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
