FORT SMITH, Ark — The 2024 Steel Horse Rally (SHR) is set to kick off on Friday, May 3 in Downtown Fort Smith.
The charity motorcycle rally "honors all who serve," and raises money each year to support local charities and the community.
The highly anticipated annual event is growing in popularity after it hit its highest record last year with more than 210,000 people in attendance. This led to a local economic impact of $25 million, according to SHR.
SHR said one of its biggest attractions is the motorcycle parking on Garrison Avenue. SHR said this is "one of the widest downtown streets," in the country. The entertainment stage will be set up across First National Bank, at the corner of 6th and Garrison Avenue.
Along with the fast growth of the rally, comes new events.
New events
This year, SHR announced a partnership with the U.S. Marshals Museum for a "Bikes and Badges" vintage motorcycle show.
The show will be free at the museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the museum itself will also be free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Bikes and Badges" welcomes motorcycle models older than 25 years at no cost. Those who will take part in this show must meet at the Riverfront Park at 3 p.m. To enter, click here.
Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite motorcycle and the winner will receive a trophy "designed by Mike Freeland, an avid motorcycle rider." The winner will be announced "after the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade" at the corner of 6th Street and Garrison Avenue.
Charities
This year's charities are
Returning events:
- Cops and Cones Motorcycle Exhibition: Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. on Garrison Avenue and 12th Street.
- Steel Horse Strongman Showdown: Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Glass Pavilion at 100 North B Street.
- Thunder Through the Valley Motorcycle Parade: Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m.
- Miss Steel Horse Rally Bikini Contest: Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. at the main stage.
Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup
2024 Steel Horse Rally Charity Cups will be for sale for a "minimum charitable donation of $5" at participating businesses downtown. All proceeds earned from the cups will go towards the selected charities.
The cup will allow adults 21 years of age or older to carry the cup outdoors with an adult beverage through the entire rally.
VIB
VIB packages include:
- Premium seating in front of the main stage
- Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup
- VIB Badge with lanyard and armband
- 2024 Steel Horse Rally T-shirt
- Access to the SHR Handle Bar
- VIB Swag Bag
There will also be an inaugural Steel Horse Rally VIB Treat and Greet which will offer treats from Garrison Goodies and a chance to meet the SHR founder, Dennis Snow, "and some very special guests." VIB Packages will be a "$99 minimum charitable donation."
Parking
Vendors will start setting up at noon on Friday, allowing bikers to park "in the middle of Garrison Avenue," from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, this will begin at 9 a.m. and all bikes must be moved from the middle by midnight.
The area will be reserved for motorcycles only which means trailers will not be allowed. A map showing the street closures and routes for traffic can be found here.
For more information, click here.
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