Oklahoma City set to go ‘Hog’ wild

Bricktown, often the sideshow for major events coming to town, is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to become the top attraction for more than 15,000 Harley-Davidson owners coming to Oklahoma City next year.

Tourism and convention officials announced Tuesday Oklahoma City is getting its first shot at hosting the worldwide annual gathering of the 25-year-old Harley Owners Group (HOG).

"The sheer numbers of this event are mind boggling,” said Mayor Mick Cornett, who announced the June 26-27, rally in front of 71 Harley owners in front of the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. "This association has 500,000 members within 500 miles of Oklahoma City.”

The club will spend one night at State Fair Park but made spending a Saturday in Bricktown the focal point of the weekend, said Jim Cowan, director of the Bricktown Association.

A destination

Unlike other major events held at the ballpark or Ford Center, the thousands are expected to spend all their time frequenting the district’s restaurants, clubs, shops and attractions.

"Bricktown is playing a role for all of Oklahoma City,” Cowan said. "We need to be their destination.”

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who chairs the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, said she expects riders to arrive early via Route 66, which she predicts will be a major beneficiary of the rally. Organizers said Oklahoma City already has made a good impression with HOG.

"Oklahoma City’s hip, spirited surroundings combined with its deep western heritage create the perfect backdrop,” said Benny Suggs, general manager of HOG. rider services.