FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Arguably the largest motorcycle rally in middle America, the 16th annual Bikes, Blues, & BBQ will start in two weeks attracting upwards of 400,000 people according to its director.
According to Director Joe Giles, an economic study done in 2013 by the University of Arkansas showed the festival generating between $69 to $80 million.
In a "5NEWS This Morning" segment that aired Sunday (Sept. 6), anchor Daren Bobb spoke with Giles, who said the great roads and scenery in Northwest Arkansas make the event so successful. He also said it is a charity-driven rally, so all the money stays in the area.
This year's event, scheduled to go from Sept. 23 to the 26, will start offering live music on Friday and Saturday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Organizers first used that venue in 2014, but will expand their use of it this year. Giles said the ballpark makes a good location because of its parking.
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