Published: June 06, 2008 01:07 pm      

Harley riders invade city for their annual rally

Effingham residents beware. The HOGs have rolled into town.

More than 1,500 Harley Davidson owners are expected to come into town for the Illinois’ Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) Rally today and Saturday at Thelma Keller Convention Center.

“Registration is hectic from when we open the doors. We had a rush of people at 8 a.m. trying to get checked in and out on the road. A huge group just left on a guided ride to view the lakes in the area,” said Rally Coordinator Dann Shores.

Most of the activities will be private events for registered participants, including tech seminars, biker bingo and tattoo contests.

The public can participate in an Effingham food court from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday behind the Convention Center and join the bikers for a pancake breakfast from 6-10 a.m. Saturday at The Rosebud Theatre.

Shores said residents can also watch the bike shows and other Saturday afternoon events through the fence at the food court.

The Harley owners will ride their motorcycles around the city in parade style from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The parade will start at the Convention Center and follow Mid America Avenue to Rickelman Avenue and then head south on U.S. Route 45 to downtown Effingham. The route will follow Jefferson Avenue out to Keller Drive and then back to the Convention Center.

City officials campaigned for months to bring the HOG Rally to Effingham for the first time.

Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@effinghamdailynews.com.