Star-Studded Motorcycle Rally Shines Bright Amidst Harvey Aftermath, Proved Texans Are Not Alone
The 16th Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas proved to be the rainbow after the rain, providing entertainment and interactive activities that lifted the spirits of many after the devastating Hurricane Harvey swept through most of Texas.
(Image: Lone Star Rally)
From November 2 to 5, the event featured more than 40 free concerts, shops, food stalls, car and truck shows, as well as the Miss Lone Star Rally contest. The fact that it required no admission fee or registration probably added to the appeal as more than half a million bikers showed up throughout the four-day event.
From Thursday noon to Sunday evening, Rally goers enjoyed and assembly of Classic Rock, Country, and Blues acts at Saengerfest Park. On another stage across town, bike displays and bike shows were ongoing at Beach Central Park.
(Lone Star Rally video from Galveston.comTV)
The multi-coloured houses, situated along The Strand, saw about half a million of bikers atop their rumbling beasts as part of a roaring parade that showed off unique custom paint designs and aftermarket accessories.
(Image: Galveston/Instagram/johnrday72)
The event is known to provide a positive impact to the economy as seen in last year’s success that generated about $700, 000 in local area sales and hotel taxes. This year in particular proved to be a critical time for the Rally as the whole of Texas continued to rebuild their communities. With those affected in mind, the Lone Star Rally aimed to generate $115 million.
Sure there are other motorcycle rallies that exist, but Lone Star Rally is set apart, according to its spokesperson, Sharon Damante. She explained that the different ambiance and historical context of the area calls more to ethnically-diverse families.