The roar of motorcycles filled a breezy but sunny Lakeside Avenue for the last day of Motorcycle Week on Sunday.
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Laconia bike week
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The COVID-19 pandemic delayed and altered the 97th tLaconia Motorcycle Week, which is traditionally held in June. It was held in August this year, and only a few nonprofit vendors were spaced alongside the official headquarters tent while portable hand sanitizing stations lined the boardwalk. Some in attendance, but not all, wore masks.
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Organizers expected a reduced crowd but say those who did come explored the state.
“A lot of riding done around the state because of the lack of activities her in the Weirs Beach area,” Executive director of Laconia Motorcycle Week Charlie St. Clair said. “People really got out and explored the state of New Hampshire and we heard that from an awful lot of riders.”
For local businesses, the smaller crowd was obvious, but better than nothing.
“All things considered, it was good,” Tops Beachwear Owner Jack Handley said. “It was certainly not as good as a full crowd, we we’re very fortunate.”
Both business owners and event organizers said the feedback they received from those who did show up was mostly positive.
“Some were surprised, most were not surprised by the way things were planned out, but people were very thankful we still had Motorcycle Week. With so many nationwide being canceled, they were quite pleased to see us here,” Handley said.
Organizers said looking back at the week, they would not do anything different and are looking forward to next year, hoping they can hold the event in June.
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READ THE FULL STORY:Laconia Motorcycle Week goes well amid COVID-19 pandemic, organizers say
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