FORT SMITH, Ark — The 2024 Steel Horse Rally (SHR), a charity motorcycle get-together that honors all who serve is set to kick off on Friday, May 3 in Downtown Fort Smith.
SHR raises money to support local communities and charities, bringing in $25 million for Fort Smith from more than 210,000 attendees in 2023.
Fort Smith's Garrison Avenue is an oasis for bikers as one of the widest downtown streets in the country. The entertainment stage will be set up across First National Bank, at the corner of 6th and Garrison Avenue.
Fort Smith Police Department Seargent Kyle Story confirms that the motor unit of the FSPD will be out over the weekend, to support security.
Along with the fast growth of the rally, comes new events.
New Events:
Bikes and Badges:
This year, SHR announced a partnership with the U.S. Marshals Museum for a free "Bikes and Badges" vintage motorcycle show to be held at the museum from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday. Bikers have to bring a motorcycle older than 25 years old to the Riverfront Park before 3 p.m., to learn more click here.
Admission to the museum itself will also be free from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite motorcycle and the winner will receive a trophy designed by Mike Freeland. The winner will be announced after the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade at the corner of 6th Street and Garrison Avenue.
Charities
Returning events:
- Cops and Cones Motorcycle Exhibition: Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. on Garrison Avenue and 12th Street
- Steel Horse Strongman Showdown: Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Glass Pavilion at 100 North B Street
- Thunder Through the Valley Motorcycle Parade: Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m.
- Miss Steel Horse Rally Bikini Contest: Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. at the main stage
Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup
2024 Steel Horse Rally Charity Cups will be for sale for a minimum charitable donation of $5 at participating businesses downtown. All proceeds earned from the cups will go towards the selected charities.
The cup will allow adults 21 years of age or older to carry the cup outdoors with an adult beverage through the entire rally.
VIB
A Very Important Bikers (VIB) package is available online for a minimum charitable donation of $99 to anyone 21 years or older, including:
- Premium seating in front of the main stage
- Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup
- VIB Badge with lanyard and armband
- 2024 Steel Horse Rally T-shirt
- Access to the SHR Handle Bar
- VIB Swag Bag
There will also be an inaugural Steel Horse Rally VIB Treat and Greet offering treats from Garrison Goodies and a chance to meet the SHR founder, Dennis Snow, along with "some very special guests."
Parking
Vendors will start setting up Friday morning, allowing bikers to park in the middle of Garrison Avenue from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, this will begin at 9 a.m. and all bikes must be moved by midnight.
The area will be reserved for motorcycles only which means trailers will not be allowed. A map showing the street closures and routes for traffic can be found here.
For more information, click here.
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