The small mountain community of Williams Arizona once again welcomes the Arizona State HOG Rally June 9th – 11th, 2011. A special addition this year is the appearance of the Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper during this three day event.
The Acronym HOG stands for Harley Owners Group. Harley-Davidson established the Harley Owners Group in response to a growing desire by Harley riders for an organized way to share their passion and show their pride. By the late 1990’s, worldwide membership had grown to over half a million and over one thousand local chapters. In Arizona there are nine Chapters with thousands of members. The Arizona State HOG Rally is an opportunity for the Chapters to some together as a family, ride and share a great time.
In addition to bike games, a bike show, guided rides and poker walk, this year’s Rally will feature a first class street dance presented by Grand Canyon Brewing Co. & Cruiser’s Café. “The street dance is the highlight of the Rally and we want to give the riders the best possible experience when they come to Williams” stated owner John Peasley. Long time Rally favorite and premier country-rock band Mogollon will take center stage Friday and Saturday. The Cellphone Cowboys, Carpino and the Cappuccinos as well as local favorite the Moonlight Howlers are also scheduled to perform this weekend. Plenty of outdoor seating right on Route 66, pool tables in the street and a free shuttle service between local hotels and the dance are all being offered.
Northern Arizona regional dealer, Grand Canyon Harley-Davidson Buell will kick start the Rally festivities with a welcome BBQ Thursday evening June 9th at the dealership in Bellemont.
Sue Atkinson, event coordinator with the Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce added that there is a special addition this year to the Rally. “As many may know, the Arizona State Centennial will take place in 2012. This year many special Centennial events and projects have been taking place. One such project is the Centennial Copper Chopper and we are so pleased that the Chopper is scheduled to appear at this year’s Rally.”
The Arizona Centennial Copper Chopper motorcycle serves as an ambassador, or the “official mascot,” of the Centennial. Organized through the nonprofit Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation, the Copper Chopper will travel the state for 17 months (October 2010 – February 2012) promoting Arizona’s 100th anniversary of Statehood, motorcycle safety, and Arizona history.
The Copper Chopper was produced by world-renowned bike-builder, Paul Yaffe, who resides and works in Arizona. Paul and his custom creations have graced the pages of more than 30 magazines in recent years, both in the United States and internationally.
The Copper Chopper and its travelling exhibit will be displayed for the remainder of 2011 throughout the State. At each event, the public will have an opportunity to enter to win this one-of-a-kind piece of Arizona art and history by purchasing a $5 drawing ticket. There will be monthly finalists for the Copper Chopper and each of these monthly finalists will have the opportunity to be part of the final drawing for the Copper Chopper, which will be conducted the week of February 14, 2012 at the Best Fest of Phoenix.
For more information on the 2011 Arizona State HOG Rally or other events in Williams contact the Williams & Forest Service Visitor Center at 800-863-0546 or log onto www.ExperienceWilliams.com
