HARRISON, Ark. - Sitting at the junction of several scenic highways, Boone County has become a big spot for bikers.
"The Ozarks gives us opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful scenery that America has to offer," said Darrell Briggs, owner of Oklahoma Bikes, a group for motorcyclists in both Oklahoma and Arkansas.
In recent years, the city of Harrison has come to bank on these tourists on two wheels.
"We print a motorcycle guide and distribute 75,000 copies of that each year," said Terry Cook, executive director of the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau. "One of the things that was missing was being able to have a [biker] rally."
That's changing this weekend. The town is opening its doors to more motorcyclists than ever before as Oklahoma Bikes puts on a big rally at the city's soccer complex. The "Reverend Troll's Rock n' Roll Revival" could draw at least 500 bikers.
"It's also focusing on live music and drinking cold beer," said Briggs, who is organizing the event.
But such an event wasn't even been possible just a year ago. In November, voters decided to toss out Boone County's decades-old ban on most alcohol sales. It took effect in January 2011.
"It's helped Harrison to be open for business," said Cook. "We've had interest not only from this group, but we have heard from other organizations wanting to put on a rally."
The rally likely will be the largest beer and wine-serving event to come to town since alcohol sales were legalized. Cook said, since the county's prohibition was lifted, revenue from tourism in Harrison is up 18 percent.
There is a little bit of controversy surrounding the rally, and it has nothing little to do with booze. A group of local pastors claims the name, Reverend Troll's Rock and Roll Revival and Campmeeting, mocks Christianity. The ministers wouldn't talk with KY3 News on the record, saying they did not want to give more publicity to the event.
"If you have any idea what motorcycles are about, and the biker community, it is all about love and respect," said Briggs.
Briggs said the event's namesake, Rev. Troll, is an ordained minister who performs weddings and funerals for bikers.
Real religion or not, city leaders are looking forward to all the "offerings" that will soon pour in to Harrison hotels and restaurants.
"We estimate a visitor coming to Harrison spend $150 a day per person. So that's a huge economic impact to our area."
The event runs from Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21. The public is invited to attend.
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