UNION CO., KY (WFIE) -
Around 5,000 motorcyclists from all over the United States and Canada spent the weekend in Union County.
When that many motorcycles rev through a small town, locals are bound to take notice. This weekend many local businesses say they did especially when clearing out their cash registers.
There's plenty to do at the Kentucky Bike Rally.
"A lot of music and those things, right, and the bike show," said biker Tony Beard.
But many of the bikers who spent the weekend at the Kentucky Bike Rally ventured away from the Union County Fairgrounds to get a taste of some local Sturgis flavor.
"I think it's a nice little community and I think the rally really helps out bringing money into the community. Yeah, everybody's pretty friendly here," Beard said.
Carlene Thomas is a local Sturgis business owner and rally organizer who says their small town enjoys the economic boost from all the visitors.
"The convenience stores, the grocery stores, the car wash, my bike shop, restaurants, you know, it's a big money maker for the community," Thomas said.
Sunday morning just about every seat was taken at The Wicked Cricket in downtown Sturgis. Owner Melinda Daily says at one point they ran out of tables and some ate their meal sitting on couches.
"I look forward to it every year. I've known some of these people for years. I see the same people year after year after year," Daily said.
Bikers feel welcomed, too. They say the rally and the small town feel keeps them coming back.
"Good time here in Sturgis," Beard states.
Thomas says the economic impact spreads beyond Union County lines. Cities as far away as Evansville and Madisonville also see an upswing in business at their restaurants, gas stations, and hotels from bikers passing through.
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Local restaurant, The Wicked Cricket, says during busy hours every seat in the restaurant was taken, even the couches.
