STURGIS, S.D. – The 84th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has invaded the hills’ as opening ceremonies took place downtown Sturgis this afternoon.
The opening ceremonies began with a parade that brought the dignitaries down to Harley Davidson Rally Point.
After an official opening statement by Sturgis officials, the All-American Thrill Show provided some entertainment for those on hand.
The one-of-a-kind aerial extravaganza was performed on the Rally Point stage as aerialists soared through the air.
Founder and creative mastermind behind the show, Breezy Wilder, aka Breawna Schwartz Ventura, says they wanted to leave the audience in awe, and they did just that.
She says the production was developed specifically for the rally in mind as it celebrated women riders from around the world and honored South Dakota’s very own fastest woman on earth.
Entertainment at Rally Point will continue into this evening.
Now, with the Rally underway, city officials report as of this morning, they had issued 443 temporary vending licenses. This compares to 508 in 2023.
As for Sturgis Ambulance Service calls, there have been a total of 35 from Monday through Thursday. That compares to 26 for the same time period in 2023.
Tomorrow is the annual Mayor’s Ride and for the first time in several years, there will be a new leader at the front of the pack.
Mayor Angela Wilkerson will lead the group of riders on a trip to Devil’s Tower National Monument this year, with proceeds benefitting local charities.
The ride leaves the Sturgis Community Center at 9:00 a.m.
