It took a few days, and it took a big headliner group to bring in the crowds, but Arizona Bike Week has finally started to rock. With Heart taking the stage tonight, the Wilson sisters filled the concert tent, while others were content--or had no choice but--to sit outside in the cool night air and listen. The crowd is by far the biggest of this five-day event.
Nevertheless, the vendors here are not happy. They blame a change in the admissions policy for killing the crowds. "Who wants to pay 40 bucks to shop?" asked one vendor who asked not to be identified. In past years tickets were available for the whole week or by the day, but this year there is only one ticket, $40 for the entire rally, even if you only want to come one day.
The word among the vendors is that on the first day the folks working the gate quit counting when they hit 200 people who turned around and left rather than pay the $40. And while days are always slow here due to the blistering heat (100 degrees the last couple days), even the night crowds have been small. Some vendors are talking openly about not coming next year.
But tonight the parking lots were home to thousands of motorcycles. Nothing like Sturgis or Daytona but a healthy turn-out here.
Related articles:
Getting the jump on Arizona Bike Week: Pre-Rally Days Begin
On the road to Arizona Bike Week
I'm here for the party--where is it?
Gearing up to launch Arizona Bike Week, with photos
Arizona Bike Week begins with a rumble, with photos
Arizona Bike Week builds up slowly (with photos)
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