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| History of Sturgis :: |
| Rally History :: |
| Photo Gallery :: |
 Rally History This strong and solid community today consists of approximately 280 people and many businesses, churches, organizations and Diane Jackson City Park. Located about 12 miles southwest of Starkville on Highway 12, Sturgis has opened its doors to bikers from around the country for the last seven years or so. The Mayor, Walt Turner, and the Board of Alderman are very supportive and extend a warm welcome to all riders. With Southern hospitality, the citizens, merchants and organizations also enjoy showing the bikers their town and their way of life almost as much as the bikers enjoy the welcome and warmth they receive from the minute they arrive to the minute they depart. Together, they have made for a combination that is unbeatable causing riders to come away from Sturgis with a fond appreciation for this small community... and a very strong desire to return. RALLY HISTORY TRIVIA If you have been a visitor to any of the past 12 Rallies in Sturgis, Mississippi, we are anxious to know your memories or trivia you can add about your experience. If you have Rally trivia or memories you would like to share, please go to the Guest Book and enter your information. Here are some very brief items about past Rallies and the Town of Sturgis that we remember: Beginning ñ Ride of about 14 riders from Jackson in 1995 led to foundation of official Rally in 1997. Rallies ñLittle Sturgis, MS ìLittle Sturgis, Inc.î ñ Sturgis, Mississippi - was organized of interested riders to plan an annual Rally with the Townís blessing. September 20-21, 1997- - Approximately 500 total registered - 800 in attendance Adopted logo of the little ìhogî on the motorcycle Pre-registration offered at reduced prices (tradition has continued) Official Rally Pin given to registered guests (tradition has continued) Rally T-shirt sponsored by McKinnonís General Merchandise (due to Rallyís limited funds) (motorcycle engine is backward on artwork - ran out of shirts at the Rally and took mail orders) 10-15 vendors September 11-13, 1998 - Approximately 1000 registered - 1500 in attendance Official Rally T-shirt provided by Rally for purchase (tradition has continued) Cold showers added at the Park for camping. August 27-29, 1999 Approximately 1200 registered - 5500 estimated overall Town of Sturgis adopted City Ordinances to assist Rally Staffís Planning: 1) All vendors must have vendor permits (necessary to monitor and maintain family-oriented rally and position incoming vendors 2) Motorcycle parking only on Main Street during the Rally. August 25-27, 2000 Approximately 3000 registered - 10,000 in attendance Only Official Rally ìVolunteerî Pin ever given to our much-appreciated volunteers Designated winner of ìTop 20 Events of the Southeastî by the Southeast Tourism Society Rallies ñ Sturgis South or Sturgis, MS Rally ìLittle Sturgis, Inc.î was dissolved and Sturgis, MS Rally, Inc., was re-organized with partnership between interested riders and the Town of Sturgis to work together to plan and provide an annual Rally. August 24-26, 2001 Approximately 5,000 registered - 15,000 in attendance Adopted the ìdreamcatcher with wingsî logo Designated ìFriends of the Rallyî status to the paying supporters of the Rally that provide the means for this ongoing tradition MS Educational TV accompanied Jackson Freeriders group ride of 100 riders from Jackson to Sturgis and filmed Rally for segment that aired on ETVís MS Roads. August 23-25, 2002 Approximately 5,000 registered - 20,000 in attendance 1st Official Rally Patch added for purchase (tradition has continued) Electrical thunderstorm cancelled Saturday night headliner ìClassic Rock All Starsî August 22ñ24, 2003 Approximately 5,500 registered - 30,000 in attendance 2003 Harley Sportster Raffle August 20-22, 2004 Approximately 5,000 registered - 32,000-35,000 in attendance RV park with hook-ups added to the Park - Hot water showers at the Pavilion Marshall Tucker ñ Lead singer and only original Member left lost his voice. Kentucky Headhunters to the rescue. August 19-21, 2005 Approximately 5500 registered - 35,000 in attendance 2005 Tourism Award - Oktibbeha County, Mississippi 200 Motorcycle Event Vendors August, 2006 - 10th Anniversary Approximately 6,000 registered - 30,000+ in attendance Major Celebration featuring Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, & Little Feat August 17-19, 2007 Approximately 4,000 registered 20-25,000 in attendance - High temperatures in Sturgis and gas prices were going up everywhere August 15-17, 2008 Approximately 4,000 registered 20,000 in attendance - Low attendance and vendors dew to high gas prices and the economy - similar decreases reported by other rallies Merle Haggard featured - Perfect Weather August 2009 ???? Population of Sturgis ñ approximately 280 Liquor is legal - beer is not!! Sturgis South Staff 2/26/09 update  |
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