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David Stanley Ford

Oklahoma City set to go ‘Hog’ wild
Thousands of Harley-Davidson owners to arrive in June for rally

BY STEVE LACKMEYER    Comments Comment on this article10
Published: November 19, 2008


On Tuesday 71 Harley Davidson motorcycles were lined up in Bricktown for the announcement of next year’s world wide Harley Davidson Honorary Rally. Photo by Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman

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.

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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.

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David Stanley Ford


Related Topics: Sports, Culture and Lifestyle, Baseball, Travel and Tourism


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Welcome to OKC, HOGS!! Will the Hogettes be joining you? Should be fun!!!
Chris, Jones - Nov 20, 2008 at 1:06 pm
As a HOG member who has been to many State HOG Rallys, OKC should be really proud to Host such a National Event!!! Our HOG friends from Georgia have already ask us about coming to the event and finding a nice Hotel to stay in. OKC will make us Okies proud !!!
Duane, Waynoka - Nov 20, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Bah Humbug Albert! I'm proud of our city. Look how far we have come. What do you not want to live in a city you are proud of? Come on where's your pride?
Mickey, Yukon - Nov 20, 2008 at 4:59 am
K in Okc, you know that Slick Mick and the business benefactors of your hard earned tax dollars used that money to build their entertainment district not for locals although it's paid by them but to attract visitors to their "new big league city". It is not ok for locals to do what 15,000 out of town hogs will be allowed to do as long as they have that money to spend to make those public tax abusers more money! The leaders in this city will soon ask for more tax dollars, wheel & deal and sell out the tax payer to get that magical title of "BIG LEAGUE CITY". better get use to it K.
ALBERT, BETHANY - Nov 20, 2008 at 3:32 am
I want to ride a wheelie thru bricktown.
BH, oklahoma - Nov 19, 2008 at 2:10 pm
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Gawd, just tell me Slick Mick won't be sporting leathers that weekend...
Kevin, Oklahoma City - Nov 19, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Well duh, the almighty dollar makes the world go round.
Jess, Warr Acres - Nov 19, 2008 at 9:53 am
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If I was a dentist, I'd set up mobile clinic down there that weekend.
Chris, Jones - Nov 19, 2008 at 9:22 am
Interesting, considering that Bricktown has been pretty clear about not wanting bikers in and around the area. Llike always it's about the almighty dollar.
K, Oklahoma City - Nov 19, 2008 at 5:08 am
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