September Harley rally in Cape - $1.2 million economic impact

Business Today

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau will make bids for the Missouri State Harley Owners Group rallies for 2003 and 2004.

More than 3,000 bikers attend the 2001 rally held in Cape Girardeau on Sept. 7-9.

The group will return to Hannibal for the 2002 rally.

Terri Clark-Bauer, CVB director, said the city will bid for the 2003 rally, but since 2003 is an anniversary year for Harley Davidson the group might motor to Platte County, site of one of the Harley manufacturing facilities.

"We've received positive feedback from everywhere concerning the recent rally here," said Clark-Bauer. "The bikers liked the community, and everything went well during the three-day rally."

The rally was good for the economy. Clark-Bauer estimated the economic impact at more than $1.2 million. Harley-Davidson owners have an above-average annual household income.

"The Harley rally was an overwhelming success both in foot traffic and dollars spent in the downtown area," said Evelyn Boardman, who edits the Downtown Merchants Association newsletter, "Around the Clock."