FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Thousands of bikers are expected to roll into Fayetteville for the yearly Bikes, Blues & BBQ event, which gets underway Wednesday (Sept. 21) and runs through Saturday (Sept. 24).
For 17 years, motorcycles have been a rumbling welcome to the area, and restaurants and bars along Dickson Street eagerly awaited their arrival, but not all businesses along the busy street get in on the excitement.
"People aren't here to shop at the local retail stores," said Lisa Sharp, owner of Nightbird Books. "They're here for street food and souvenirs of the event."
Sharp said she will be closed all four days, along with Arsaga's, a local coffee shop.
"I know there are people in town who enjoy it," Sharp said. "I know there are businesses in town who make a lot of money out of it, and I'm happy for those people, but personally, it doesn't do anything for me."
In 2015, around $150,000 was raised for several local charities. Rally organizers said the event has something for everyone.
"Bikes, Blues and BBQ is the largest charity motorcycle rally," said Tommy Sizemore, executive director of the rally. "We pride ourselves on being 100 percent family friendly. A place where you can bring your 9-year-old to your 90-year-old grandma."