STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis holds its annual biker rally starting next Friday. The city is preparing for nearly 500 thousand visitors with organizers working around the clock to make sure everyone is safe. Deb Holland, Director of Communications for the City of Sturgis spoke with us about what to expect and what her role is during preparations.
“We have a 7-day a week schedule starting on Monday, so it’s all hands on deck. We’ve done it for so many years that it’s kind of second nature to us”
Tents are propping up all over town with more expected throughout the week. While the city does not rent spots to vendors, many local businesses have partnered with the city to provide space. Vendors are still required to purchase permits to reserve an area. Bands will be performing all over town at multiple venues. While they reserved spots years in advance, vendors are still able to get permits during rally week.
All visitors are advised to pay attention to posted rules and get a ride if you need to. Bikers are required to wear sunglasses when they ride. Meade County has issued a burn ban, meaning no campfires, whether at campgrounds or in the national forest. First-time visitors should be prepared for warm, sunny, and dry conditions
“Make sure you’re wearing your sunscreen or your hat, and just enjoy the rides. I mean, make sure you take in the beautiful Black Hills. That’s what makes Sturgis so unique.”
91 vendors have signed up so far with more to come. The rally will have people from Harley Davidson, but also other leaders in the industry such as Indian Motorcycle and BMW.