Plenty for locals at Great Canadian Bike Rally
Already home to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and the Walk of Stars, organizers of the Great Canadian Bike Rally are counting on the city’s ability to attract crowds.
“[We] have felt for a number of years that Merritt is the premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, both on-road and off-road,” said Mike Fairfield in a press release. “The area is known to have some of the best riding conditions in the country.”
And yet, while they are expecting lots of out of town motorcycle enthusiasts for the rally, organizers Mike and Paul Fairfield are promising plenty for the locals to enjoy as well from July 14 to 17.
Besides the downtown concerts, which include headliners like Trooper, Chilliwack and Colin James, the weekend will include a street mall and entertainment for the whole family at the Rodeo Grounds, said Kerstin Auer.
Thursday, July 14 will be Family Day from 1 to 4 p.m. and all children are encouraged to participate and are welcome to bring their pedal bikes. On Friday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be burnouts at the Rodeo Grounds for people to watch, and on Saturday, July 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be more bike games. For all of these activities, admission is by donation.
In addition to the fun, local businesses will also see the benefits, said Auer.
“While it’s a charity event to raise money for children, we’re convinced there will be economic benefits for the town,” she said. “People will come and spend money.”
To help this happen, the Rally Association has organized a “Walking Dice Run” to encourage people to visit local businesses. Starting at the Civic Centre participants will receive a score card, which they can have stamped at local businesses. At each location they will be able to roll six dice four times and record their highest score.
“Mike definitely thinks the turnout and the support is what makes Merritt a prime location,” said Auer.
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