Sturgis council votes to go ahead with motorcycle rally

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — The roar of motorcycles will return to the Black Hills this summer.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be held, but with some major modifications.

The Sturgis City Council voted Monday night to proceed with preparations for the Aug. 7-16 rally that’s now in its 80th year. The event draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle fans. The council voted 8-1 to allow the rally to take place, but without the usual parade, opening ceremony and B-1 bomber flyover.

The decision comes after weeks of public comment and debate on whether to hold the event amid the coronavirus pandemic.