Page 14 - Laconia Rally News 2020

LACONITA MOTORCYCLE WEEK® ASSOCIATION GIVES THANKS!
Charlie St. Clair & Jennifer Anderson
he Laconia Motorcycle Week® our visitor, Association is a non-profit organization arrives for the
with a board of directors including: The Naswa Resort with Cynthia Makris serv- ing as our President, Half Moon Enterprises, the Town of Meredith, NH Motor Speedway, the Weirs Action Committee, our rally historian and local
rally, that you
feel welcomed
and wanted –
because you
are. We thank
you – our visi-
tors, our riders,
for helping to
make Laconia
Motorcycle
Week a rally Richard Bassett,
that we are all Robert Sedgley, Third Row: Chief Matt proud to pass Canfield, Lt. Michael Finogle, Prevention on to future Enforcement (PET) Officer Eric Adams. generations.
rider, K. Peddlar Bridges (Road Poet!), and our rally’s hometown host and epicenter, the City of Laconia. Our sincerest gratitude is extended to our board of directors for their active participation and support through the thrilling and often surprising rollercoaster ride that is Laconia Motorcycle Week.
Front: Detective Tony Horan, Second Row: Sgt. Gary Hubbard, Patrol Officer
As we enjoy the 97th Anniversary of the oldest motorcy- cle rally in the world and look back at where we’ve come from, we are reminded that we could not have come this far without the help of many. One of those people often sat in the background of the ‘work’ for the rally but nonetheless, has been instrumental in our continued sus- tainability – Mayor Ed Engler. You can read all about Ed in another article in this Rally News. Ed served out his final three-year term as Mayor and has turned the gavel over to Andrew Hosmer, who was inaugurated into office in January of 2020 after previously serving as the Ward 6 City Councilor (Weirs Beach area!). There are many city departments involved in the operations of the rally; including, the Planning, Licensing, & Public Works Department, our local Laconia Police and Fire Departments, and of course, the City Manager’s office, Mayor and all six City Councilors. Much of the work they do is behind the scenes but take our word for it – it helps to make your experience that much better! Thank you, to all City of Laconia personnel for your hard work, all year, helping to ensure this rally’s continue longevity.
Master Patrol Officer
On behalf of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, we say, “Thank you!” to all of the riders and rally enthusi- asts who have made Laconia Motorcycle Week ‘their rally’ over the years. Of course, all great legacies are a continued work in progress, but it is our hope that visitors and residents alike will work with us, more than ever before to keep Laconia Motorcycle Week the world class event that it is. Keep posting those selfies and scenic pho- tos when you’re in town – we love seeing what you’ve been up to! #LaconiaMCWeek!
Laconia Motorcycle Week began in 1916 with a group of people riding to the area to enjoy the beautiful scenery and riding. What has evolved over the years is truly a phenomenon to behold. Continuing our ‘roots of riding’ is at the foundation of what this Rally is. A HUGE thank you to the dedicated tour guides, including our volunteer leaders and officers from the motorcycle units of the Laconia PD and NH State Troopers, for assisting with the numerous charity rides throughout the State of NH and the daily Gypsy Tours leaving from Weirs Beach. The evolution that this Rally has undergone is tremendous, but it couldn’t have happened without all of the people and organizations involved.
The challenge to meet our visitors with the same kind of support they give us, takes a year-round effort with many businesses, organizations, and partners throughout the Lakes Region, the State of NH, and beyond. It is through this effort that we are able to provide so many motorcy- cle-related events in our rally schedule, entertainment, and vendor options that help keep our visitors coming back. Though we cannot control every element of the rally, it is with best intentions and the truest of hopes that when you,
To all of you – our visitors – thank you! We know that there are hundreds of rallies to choose from for your vaca- tion and we thank you for picking New Hampshire. You are the reason this rally has been a success – because you know that what it’s really about is the riding and the great people you meet and ride with. H
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Enjoy New Hampshire and Ride Safely!
Another ‘thank you’ is extended to the State of New Hampshire and our local and state representatives. The State of NH’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs gives a large financial contribution to this Rally through a matching-tourism grant because they recognize that supporting the efforts of the Rally in turn, supports the foundation and value of the State of NH. Thank you!
Year after year, Kim Lakin of Point Positive Design has worked behind the scenes designing this Rally News. Our Rally News is coveted by visitors all year-long and it’s no secret why – it’s the most valuable resource for planning your rally trip. Thank you, Kim for, once again, enabling us to provide our visitors with the nation’s best Motor- cycle Rally News magazine!
Photo Courtesy: W. Steve Loughlin