Welcome back, HOG rally

Cape Girardeau will once again be the host city for the Missouri Harley Owners Group's annual rally. That's not only good news for the city's tourism and convention boosters, it's also good news for the community.

Several thousand owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will gather in Cape Girardeau in 2005 for a variety of events. The 2001 gathering here was, by all accounts, a huge success. The city almost got the rally back for 2004 but was narrowly edged out by Springfield, Mo.

There are lots of reasons why the HOG rally would return to Cape Girardeau. The good experience the first time around is certainly a big plus. But how many cities could send a delegation to the HOG rally site-selection committee that includes a mayor and police chief who just happen to be Harley owners themselves?

In addition to providing a weekend for Harley owners to get together, the HOG rally also gives area residents a close-up look at the both the magnificent motorcycles and their owners. Many friendships are established in get-togethers like this. And downtown merchants are planning a big party for HOG members and townspeople.

Welcome back, HOG rally.