ESCANABA — For the first time in over a decade, Delta County will host a Great Lakes Harley Owners Group (HOG) Rally next summer. The event will return to the Escanaba area July 22-24, 2021.

The planning process for the event – which is expected to bring thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts to Delta County – kicked off with a meeting on Monday, Nov. 2. The meeting, held at the multipurpose building at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, was attended by representatives of Lansing-based HOG chapter Capitol Area Harley Owners Group and local organizations.

“We are very, very excited to be here,” Rally Committee Chair Chris Williams said.

A Great Lakes HOG Rally had previously been held in Escanaba Aug. 25-28, 2010.

Among other topics, a parade that will be part of the upcoming rally was discussed at the Nov. 2 meeting. The parade is tentatively set to leave the U.P. State Fairgrounds at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021. Participants will head down North Lincoln Road to the west end of Lake Shore Drive, which they will follow until they reach Escanaba’s municipal dock. A “block party” featuring food, beer, live music, and more will be held at the municipal dock that evening.

Delta County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vickie Micheau said she and other members of the chamber are eager to welcome riders to the area.

“Our goal is to make sure you leave here in July with the feeling that this was your best rally yet,” she said.