The pandemic has really put a damper on many of our plans for 2020. It seems like each day there is news of another event being postponed or even cancelled due to the pandemic. But, that doesn't appear to be the case for the infamous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota. At least for now.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the motorcycle rally. With thousands of visitors from around the world planning to attend. But, what is the pandemic continues into August? Is it still safe to welcome visitors from every corner of the globe to the Black Hills?

According to Forbes

The Sturgis City Council has prepared a set of protocols that will be used when making the decision to hold or cancel the upcoming rally on June 15, but it’s not as simple a matter as it looks.

South Dakota was one state that did not enforce strict stay-at-home protocols when the pandemic struck. To date, South Dakota has reported 4,085 confirmed, 2, 914 recovered and 46 deaths.

But, if the rally does go on as planned. It is clear that a good chunk of cooperate sponsors and vendors will not be attending due to coronavirus concerns. And, it is safe to say that attendance will probably be far lower than in years past. But, if the rally is cancelled, it could devastate the whole community.

According to Forbes

Here’s what last year’s event generated for the City of Sturgis:

$655,090,000 of direct spending by visitors

$65,509,000 in additional indirect spending

$615,116 in funding for local non-profit and charitable organizations

$1,165,688 in net profit to the City of Sturgis

Bottom line, if you are going to plan the trip. Don't bust out your riding gear until after June 15th.

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