Laconia

Press Conference scheduled for 99th Laconia Motorcycle Week

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Laconia Motorcycle Week® Welcoming Press Conference Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia, 609 Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246. The 99th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week® begins Saturday, June 11th, 2022 and the Laconia Motorcycle Week® Association invites all media personnel to help us kick-off this year’s Rally at the Welcoming Press Conference hosted by Colonial Theatre of Laconia on Thursday, June 9th from 11:00AM to Noon. Cynthia Makris, President of the Laconia Motorcycle Week® Association, will moderate. Scheduled to appear are: Governor Chris Sununu Captain Bill Haynes – NH State Police Highway Safety Office Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield & Laconia Fire Chief Kirk Beattie Laconia Mayor Andrew Hosmer & Laconia City Manager Scott Myers Chief Mark C. Armaganian | Director of Enforcement | NH Liquor Commission Shannon Stevens – New Hampshire Motor Speedway Cameron Gray – American Flat Track Tom Day – Gunstock Mountain Resort Bob Coy – United States Classic Racing Association Jennifer Anderson & Charlie St. Clair- Laconia Motorcycle Week Association Daily Rally Press Conferences for Laconia Motorcycle Week® will occur at the Naswa Resort (1086 Weirs Boulevard) from Monday June 13th through Friday June 17th at 9AM. Visit: www.LaconiaMCWeek.com * * * * To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events … – simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

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Laconia Motorcycle Week updates

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Time to Get out and Ride…. It sure is feeling like summer around here. The days are warmer, the landscape a little greener and the sounds of motorcycles are everywhere, from the top of the “Kanc” in Lincoln, to coastal route 1A in Seabrook. Get pumped! Riding weather is here and soon the 99th Laconia Motorcycle Week will be, too. Have you booked your lodging yet? Don’t wait any longer. We have a full 9 days of events lined up for #99 and it’s a lot easier to play here when you stay here. Click here to check out our lodging options, ranging from campgrounds to 5-star hotels. Our popular Laconia Passport Program returns this year, incentivizing visitors to get out and ride to earn exclusive, member’s only souvenirs. Passports can be picked up at Rally Headquarters on the Boardwalk of Lakeside Avenue and feature stops at many businesses including Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the state. Have you purchased your raffle ticket yet? You could be riding on a brand new Harley-Davidson Street Glide this summer! Purchase your ticket soon (just $20), because only 5000 are sold and they usually sell out. Net proceeds raised benefit Laconia Rotary Club’s Charities. Take the Train! Did you know you can skip the traffic via a shuttle directly to Weirs Beach from Meredith? Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is offering a special Weirs Shuttle Train both weekends of Motorcycle Week. Check the schedule here. Or take the boat… The annual Motorcycle Week Cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington takes place on Tuesday, June 14th from 4:30 – 7pm. This 2 1/2 hour cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee offers food & beverage plus spectacular views of NH’s largest lake. “Laconia – Where Rallies Were Invented” #LaconiaMcWeek #NHLakesRegion #LaconiaBikeWeek Sponsored in part by a Joint Promotional Program grant through

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Fritzie Baer Trophy for service to Laconia Motorcycle Week Rally

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from Laconia Motorcycle Week Assoc. The 2021 Fritzie Baer trophy for above and beyond service to Laconia Motorcycle Week Motorcycle Rally has been awarded to Don Hamme of Erie, PA. For the past fifteen years, Hamme has been a promoter of Motorcycle Week throughout the Western PA, Western New York and Eastern Ohio region giving talks, making calls and distributing the Rally News to motorcycle enthusiasts. Hamme is a tireless booster for the rally. At times, showing his dedication through acts such as meeting a train at 4:30am and lugging hundreds of pounds of magazines through the train station. Recently, Charlie St. Clair, Executive of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, drove 1,000 miles round-trip to Erie, PA to surprise Hamme with the trophy as Hamme was unable to attend this year’s rally. St. Clair commented, “It was the least we could do for Hamme because of the dedication he has shown to the Rally.” The Fritzie Baer Trophy was first awarded in 1996 and has been received by the likes of Governor John Lynch, Peter Makris of the Naswa Resort, Laconia Mayor Ed Engler and Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield over the past 20 years, just to name a few. Fritzie Baer was a true booster for the Rally leading the Red Hat Brigade, a group of supporters who raised funds to put on the Rally. Baer was the lead charge for the Rally and is credited with bringing the AMA Road Champion Races to Laconia in 1938.

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Laconia Motorcycle Week starts strong

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by Michael Mortensen from https://www.concordmonitor.com With the cloud of COVID largely lifted, motorcyclists returned in droves over the weekend to mark the start of Laconia Motorcycle Week. Weirs Beach, the traditional epicenter of the event, was bustling by mid-morning Saturday. “I think it’s going to be a banner week,” predicted Mayor Andrew Hosmer, who did walkabouts in The Weirs with City Manager Scott Myers on Saturday and Sunday. Public safety officials reported the kick-off to the event, which wraps up this coming weekend, was largely trouble-free. “There were large crowds, but very few police events,” Police Chief Matt Canfield said during a news conference Monday morning at the Naswa Resort. Hosmer agreed that things have been going smoothly. “It’s a good atmosphere,” he said during a telephone interview Monday. The weather – with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s, coupled with low humidity – helped bring out the crowds. Motorcyclists began pouring into the area on Saturday. Parking spaces on Lakeside Avenue in Weirs Beach, which during the nine-day event are for motorcycles only, were mostly taken by mid-morning Saturday. Bikers strolled up and down the street browsing and buying from vendors who were hawking all sorts of biker paraphernalia, as well as from local nonprofits like the Laconia Kiwanis Club, whose members were selling cold bottled water and soda. Members of the National Guard were stationed at a tent next to Rally Headquarters on the boardwalk offering COVID vaccinations. About three dozen people were vaccinated over the weekend, according to Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association. The clinic will continue for the rest of the week. “The state is trying to get out to events like this (to set up vaccination clinics), ” Laconia Fire Chief Kirk Beattie explained. The fire chief told the news

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Laconia Motorcycle Week prepares for return of bigger crowds, vendors

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by Andy Hershberger from https://www.wmur.com LACONIA, N.H. — Laconia’s Motorcycle Week will have a very different look and feel than it did in 2020 The declining COVID-19 numbers are making a big difference this year as Laconia gets ready for the 98th annual Motorcycle Week. “It means we’re getting back on to life and back on to what we all do best in the hospitality industry, so we were grateful to have it last year, but this year is especially important,” said Cynthia Makris, Motorcycle Week president. There was a rally last year, but it was a completely different event. It was held in August instead of June, crowds were down and the normal carnival atmosphere suffered. One difference this year will be the vendor tents. Last year, just four nonprofits were allowed to set up shop in Laconia. This year, there will be more than 200 tents selling everything from T-shirts to leather goods. Officials said that alone will be a big draw for the event. “It’s huge this year, especially after all our businesses have gone through in the last 12 to 15 months,” said Scott Myers, Laconia city manager. “And this really kicks off the summer season. It gives it a jump start because schools aren’t quite out yet and it’s not really family vacation time.” Officials say safety measures will be in the form of awareness, hoping visitors are mindful of where the state and the country are at in terms of the pandemic. “We’re encouraging everyone to still remain socially distant when possible,” said Jennifer Anderson, of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association. “We’re going to have handwashing stations and sanitizer stations available.” Officials said the best way to be socially distant is for people to get on their bikes and ride.  

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Peter Makris Memorial Run Kicks Off Laconia Motorcycle Week on June 12

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The Peter Makris Memorial Run hits a milestone in this 15th year as the “Official Kickoff to Laconia Motorcycle Week®.” Started as a tribute to NASWA patriarch Peter Makris, the charity run offers the best riding experience with the escort of NH State and local police, offering a “feet-up” ride through the Laconia area scenic hills, lakes and small towns. The run also accentuates one of the reasons we ride—to give back to the community. Bikers are known for their generosity and heart and this ride is an expression of both. Makris was for many years the face of the legendary NASWA Resort, the Official Hotel of the rally, welcoming all to “The NAZ” with his warm smile and handshake. He was well-loved in the community as a leader and is now commemorated in this 15th annual ride which has raised over $475,000 for area charities including the Laconia Fire Department, Easter Seals “Veterans Count,” the Laconia CERT team, and last year, the Belknap House homeless shelter and Building Dreams for Marines. This non-profit was formed to assist Marines and other U.S. military veterans with mobility issues as it retrofits residences to enable vets and their families to live comfortably and confidently in their homes. Peter Makris’ service in the Marines and membership in the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club brings the charity full circle. “We know my father would be proud of this initiative,” says Cynthia Makris, president of the NASWA Resort who followed in her father’s footsteps to make the NASWA a strong community service and contributor. The Resort was founded by her maternal grandparents in the early 1900’s and she now guides 4 generations of the Makris family in maintaining its legacy, with her mother, 96-year-old Hope, busy in the kitchen, baking the desserts for the resort. The Peter

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We Ride at Laconia Motorcycle Week

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At Laconia – We Ride! The origin of Laconia Motorcycle Week was a small group of motorcycle enthusiasts gathering for a “gypsy tour” to Laconia, over 98 years ago. Today, the spirit of Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® continues with rides and gypsy tours at the center of an already packed events schedule. Join us for at least one of our many Motorcycle Week rides, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular NH scenery while also raising money for some worthy causes. The 15th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride to NHMS kicks off the week on Saturday, June 12th at 11am. This NH police escorted ride around Lake Winnipesaukee starts and ends at Naswa Resort, where riders can enjoy lunch and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Easter Seals NH Veterans Count Program, Laconia Fire Department’s Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and “Building Dreams for Marines.” The AMA Gypsy Tour to NHMS for USCRA Vintage Races takes place on Sunday, June 13th. The tour leaves Rally Headquarters on Lakeside Avenue at 10:30 and ends at NH Motor Speedway for the USCRA Vintage Races. Tour includes a 50% discount on race tickets for the day and a lap around the track! Monday “Life of Ridetime” ride to benefit families of fallen first-responders. Register at Laconia Harley 9am-9:55am, kickstands up at 10am. Join us for a scenic ride to Cigar Shenanigans in North Conway for an afternoon of live music, food, & fun! $20/rider, $15/passenger, lunch included. For more info: lifeofaridetime.org or call 732-210-6910. Show your love for pets on Monday, June 14th by taking part in the Mae-West Memorial Pet Run Ride, leaving Rally Headquarters at 10:30am for a ride through scenic local towns and ending at Destination TBD. Participants receive a custom t-shirt for their donation. Proceeds to benefit local animal support shelters. On Tuesday, June

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Laconia Motorcycle Week Press Conference invitation

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Laconia Motorcycle Week® Welcoming Press Conference Thursday, June 10, 2021 at North East Motor Sports Museum at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 922 NH Route 106, Loudon, NH 03397. The 98th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week® begins Saturday, June 12th, 2021 and the Laconia Motorcycle Week® Association invites all media personnel to help us kick-off this year’s Rally at the Welcoming Press Conference hosted by North East Motor Sports Museum at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Thursday, June 10th from 11:00AM to Noon. Cynthia Makris, President of the Laconia Motorcycle Week® Association, will moderate. Scheduled to appear are: Governor Chris Sununu Captain Bill Haynes – NH State Police Highway Safety Office Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield & Laconia Fire Chief Kirk Beattie Laconia Mayor Andrew Hosmer & Laconia City Manager Scott Myers Phil Warren – Meredith Town Manager Chief Mark C. Armaganian | Director of Enforcement | NH Liquor Commission David McGrath – New Hampshire Motor Speedway Tom Day – Gunstock Mountain Resort Bob Coy – United States Classic Racing Association Tom Netishen – North East Motor Sports Museum Jennifer Anderson & Charlie St. Clair- Laconia Motorcycle Week Association Media inquiries and to RSVP, please Contact Jennifer Anderson – 603-387-6628 or info@laconiamcweek.com. Daily Rally Press Conferences for Laconia Motorcycle Week® will occur at the Naswa Resort (1086 Weirs Boulevard) from Monday June 14th through Friday June 18th at 9AM. www.LaconiaMCWeek.com

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Historical Perspective Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week

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June 12th-20th, 2021 – New Hampshire – home to America’s Original Riding Rally After a COVID-hobbled rally in 2020, Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® returns to New Hampshire for its 98th year, June 12 – 20. Ninety-eight years is a long time, longer than most of us have been alive, so you can imagine there are stories to tell about the world’s oldest motorcycle rally. If you’re doing the math, you’ll have to take into account the 7 years the rally wasn’t held to come up with 1916. This was the year a few hundred motorcyclists, organized by central and southern New England motorcycle dealers, traveled north for a “gypsy tour” to Weirs Beach. Who would have known this would mark the beginnings of a tradition that would span a century? The tour was first sanctioned by the Federation of American Motorcyclists in 1917 and when the FAM disbanded in 1919, the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association (M&ATA) took over the sanction until 1924, when the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) was formed. Back then, the weekend event centered around races and hill climbs. The number of participants grew each year as did the event’s duration. Over time, the rally blossomed into a week-long event, eventually suffering in attendance and popularity after getting wrapped up in the upheavals of the 60’s. The rally reverted to a 3-day weekend and would remain so until 1991, when organizers revived the week-long event after seeing the success of Sturgis’ 50th Anniversary Rally in 1990. Laconia Motorcycle Week reclaimed the support of local businesses and the AMA as a week-long rally and the oldest gypsy tour in the country. Today, Laconia Motorcycle Week® is a much-expanded version of the early “gypsy tour” years, offering attendees lots of fun, food, music and, of course, countless miles of

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Update from Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week

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Come Ride in NH – Laconia Motorcycle Week, June 12th-20th, 2021 – New Hampshire – home to America’s Original Riding Rally® https://laconiamcweek.com/ Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® returns to the Lakes Region this June 12-20 for its 98th year. Over a quarter of a million riders are expected to attend this year after a pandemic-induced postponement to last year’s rally. The event is host to a full week of music, vendor exhibits, racing and, of course, riding. Although Motorcycle Week centers around Weirs Beach, you’ll find riders in every corner of the state, from the seacoast to the White Mountains. That’s because New Hampshire’s scenery, fresh air and accessibility are unmatched. Riders can cruise through the mountains, the state’s famed covered bridges, iconic lakes and along the seacoast, all within a matter of hours. Try that anywhere else! And unlike other events that draw such large crowds, and with that- traffic, residents and businesses embrace this uniquely New Hampshire tradition. By conservative estimates, the week-long event brings over 100 million dollars to the state’s economy each year. Restaurants, hotels, fuel & liquor sales across the state see a huge boost. It is a catalyst for countless tourism dollars, especially helpful because it occurs during the spring season, before the bustle of summer kicks in. Whether you’re a Motorcycle Week veteran or a first-time attendee, Laconia Motorcycle Week® invites you to experience the thrill of the world’s oldest motorcycle rally®. Come see history in the making as we count down to 100. Come ride in New Hampshire! Laconia Motorcycle Week® gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Progressive, AMSOIL and Team Motorcycle, as well as the State of New Hampshire for their large financial support of our rally each year. For more information about visiting the state

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