ESCANABA - If the unmistakable roar of Harley engines isn't indication enough, the Michigan State Rally of Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) has arrived. Also known as "Da Moonlight Rally," the event is keeping participants and visitors busy with ample vendors and a continuous line-up of events.
Whether a resident or visitor, feedback on the rally has been positive - even from those who don't own an iconic Harley.
"I don't own a motorcycle - I just paint them," said Kurt Carloni, from Oconomowoc, Wis.
Enjoying the festivities from his booth, the custom motorcycle painter and air-brusher has been traveling to various rallies for years. Carloni even takes on some special requests.
"I have been busy with bikes, but right now I am painting little flames on a wheel chair - I haven't done this before," he said.
Escanaba resident Trenton Fitch spent some time at the rally with his two children, who seemed unaffected by the continuos stream of motorcycles.
"We're having a good time. I am just enjoying the day, out with the kids and checking out the motorbikes," said Fitch. "Grandpa's got a bike so the kids are used to the noise."
The Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial Wall also made an appearance at the rally, with a simple, but prominent message.
"We've been doing this for five years and travel all over the state," said Pat Daniels, of East Point, Mich. "There are 2,654 names on the wall. There were eight women killed in Vietnam; one of them was from Michigan."
Daniels notes that anyone with a picture of a solider killed in the Vietnam War is welcome to bring it down to the rally to be scanned and placed into their memorial books.
"We would like to put faces to the names," he said.
Today, the rally is bustling during its last full day. A Wall of Death stunt show, Rider Skills Challenge, Antique Village, U.P. Mud Drags, live music and bike parade will be offered to anyone wishing to attend the rally.
As for rally veterans, the inaugural Escanaba event has been a worthwhile continuation of HOG traditions.
"We just registered, it has been nice," said Nancy Modschiedler of Wisconsin. "This is our first rally here, but we have been going to rallies for 20 years. I used to have a bike of my own, but I sold it and ride behind (my husband) now. I can sleep and read on the bike now."
