Thousands of motorcycles are expected to start rolling through Fayetteville over the next week for the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally that kicks off on September 26.
"We start planning on the event the day after the event is over in the previous year. Literally, we started planning this Oct. 2, 2011," said Joe Giles, executive director of the rally.
Every year, the rally brings in thousands of visitors and dollars. In fact, organizers expect this year's event to bring in more than 400,000 people, 100,000 bikes and generate more than $50 million for the city of Fayetteville.
Sarah Fontenot, a student at the University of Arkansas, looks forward to the motorcycle rally each year.
"It completely changes the dynamics of Fayetteville just for a weekend, and the economy sky rockets, I'm sure," Fontenot said. "All of the hotels have to be full, and all of the parking on Dickson changes from car parking to just bike parking."
As for the city's noise ordinance, event organizers ask guests to ride quietly by not excessively revving their engines.
"We have an extremely good relationship with the Fayetteville police,” Giles said. “If there is noise that exceeds the limit, they let us know and we try to remedy that the best we can. We certainly keep our music on the main stage within the legal limits."
Bikes, Babes & Bling has merged with Bikes, Blues & BBQ making this year's event even bigger than years past.
"I just really enjoy the crowd it brings in," Fontenot said. "I have been told Bikes, Blues & BBQ is one of the largest bike gatherings in the nation and people drive from thousands of miles all over the states."
Events this year will be held on Dickson Street, as well as at the Washington County Fairgrounds, Baum Motorcycle Village and the Northwest Arkansas Mall.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 26, and runs through Saturday, Sept. 29.
The event will include live music, shopping, contests, tons of food and much more.
Proceeds from the motorcycle rally go to local charities.
For more information on the event, click here.