STURGIS, S.D. – The 81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is now less than 48 hours from officially starting – although by the looks of things, it’s already begun.
Traffic has been heavy the past few days as motorcycles and travel trailers rumble into town.
City of Sturgis Public Information Officer Christina Steele says it has been busy downtown.
“It always seems to start early. The traffic certainly seems stronger and our temporary traffic signs are up to help.”
The vendor numbers are also ahead of last year, as Steele says there is no cap on how many licenses can be distributed, and there are many that are still pending approval.
“Our numbers are ahead of last year and today, tomorrow and Friday, we expect those numbers to climb. Those are our heavy days when vendors come in to get their license. We do encourage people to use our online registration to help alleviate the congestion downtown.”
Steele says at last count, there were 383 vendor licenses issued, but expects that number to easily surpass 400 as the official start draws near.
She says it’s the early stages of vendors opening up. However, as space is taken up, the unprepared vendors may run into issues finding a spot to vend.
