It was started by local Indian dealer Pappy Hoel in 1938.



8/15/2020 12:01 AM PT

"Campground owner: Bikers assess risk everytime they rideCampground owner: Bikers assess risk everytime they ride "Within the city of Sturgis we have canceled a lot of our small events that we usually host during the week, a lot of contests and bike shows ... that usually draw a crowd. "If she gets it, it's a death sentence.

"And 'hand sanitizer here.'

8/15/2020 6:53 AM PT "There are people from other states coming here that have had massive breakouts in their cities and in their states and they're coming here and they're traveling here in RVs," the resident said. The crowd seemed to be singing the theme song to "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest motorcycle rally in the world.

8/14/2020 1:08 PM PT

The issue is if we did not officially sanction it as a rally, then we would not be able to prepare for it. This year, because of the pandemic, city officials are expecting closer to 250,000 people. One resident, who told CNN they have asthma, said amid the crowd influx, they feel like they'll be confined to their home to stay safe.
So we follow guidelines. Performers include the rock band Smash Mouth.Owner Rod Woodruff says there will be changes there as well.



500,000 riders, concert fanatics, and street-food enjoyers attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. "The Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground prides itself on giving attendees the ""This event is our raison d'etre," he said.



8/15/2020 12:05 AM PT Ultimately, the city council decided to proceed with a pared down version of the usual rally.

8/15/2020 12:30 AM PT



"You don't think they're going to bring it here to the state and get local residents infected?

"As a city, there's nothing we could do, we're not able to put up roadblocks and say, 'You can't come in,'" he said. It is held annually in The Black Hills and in Sturgis, South Dakota for 10 days during the first week of August. 8/14/2020 4:44 PM PT The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was true to form Friday night, as a huge group packed into a local bar with nary a mask in sight.

"Several thousand people camp onsite each year, he says, adding most people have no problem keeping a distance in the two-mile long area.

Despite objections from a majority of its residents, a South Dakota city is preparing to host what some locals say is the largest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts in the world.



10 Days and Nights of Riding, Food, and Music.
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The city council heard from residents during meetings in June, prior to making their decision, and also consulted with state and health officials, Ainslie said. 8/14/2020 3:24 PM PT

"Proceeding with the motorcycle rally was a difficult decision to make, officials say. At least one business threatened litigation if the rally was postponed.



And it helps drive not only the city's economy, but also the region's and state's, Ainslie said.

"People were cheering and having a great time ... all things that become dangerous, especially indoors when there's no social distancing and no masks.The Rally in years past has drawn up to half a million people. "The resident told CNN they have several family members, most of whom are older, that live in the city as well.