Thousands of bikers flocked to South Dakota town for the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is expected to draw up to 250,000 people.
The event, which will feature races, bikes stunts, and live music, sparked coronavirus concerns among residents as festivalgoers were seen without any face coverings amid the pandemic.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been attracting half a million people in recent years. Even though the numbers are expected to be down due to the pandemic, thousands are still unstoppable.
Authorities said they couldn’t stop the festival from happening. In an interview with CBS, Public Information Officer Christina Steele said: “The decision to hold the Rally came after hearing from thousands of attendees that they were coming to the event, even if it was canceled by the city of Sturgis.”
Steele continued: “The city felt it had to be prepared with adequate emergency ambulance, fire and police services to assist with these people.
“The large camping facilities located outside the city control also made it known that they would remain open and had thousands of camping reservations in place.”
The Daily Beast reported that many attendees left remarks that were dismissive of coronavirus on the event’s Facebook page, with one saying: “Just call it a big protest !! And it be A-Ok!”
Another wrote: “On my way I ain’t scared of the media flu or as we call it round here election flu see ya soon South Dakota.”
The news outlet also reported that festivalgoers from all over the country have arrived, with some stores selling ‘Screw Covid’ t-shirts.
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