LACONIA – The 100th running of Laconia Motorcycle Week begins on Saturday, and officials organizing the “world’s oldest motorcycle rally” kickstarted the event with a press conference on Thursday.

Gov. Chris Sununu joined tourism officials, law enforcement, business leaders, and rally officials on the stage at the newly renovated Colonial Theater where they outlined their plans to host thousands over the nine-day period ending on June 18.

The event is statewide with impacts seen particularly significantly in the Lakes Region. Weirs Beach is considered “ground zero” for one of the nation’s largest rallies, behind Sturgis, South Dakota, and Daytona, Fla. Many “no vacancy” signs are already up at lodging establishments.

There are a number of changes to traffic and impacts which include a difficulty finding hotel reservations, particularly in the Lakes Region for the next 10 days.

“Our legacy continues because of our unmatched scenic riding throughout the beautiful state of New Hampshire,” the website introduction reads.

The state of New Hampshire and particularly the city of Laconia stand to gain a significant amount of revenue hosting the rally with rooms and meals tax revenues getting a boost.

The state also helps to promote the event nationally but this year, it is likely that people will be coming from all over the world to celebrate the 100th, said Charlie St.Clair, the longtime rally organizer.

This year, the rally includes some new attractions as well as traditional events including the Loudon Classic race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 17 and 18, the Gunstock Hill Climb on June 14, fireworks on June 10 at 10 p.m. in the Weirs and this year, a 100th celebration at the Naswa Resort June 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

There are also new additions to the lineup of sponsored rides and activities including One Eyed Jacks, a popular attraction from Sturgis, which will be at the Weirs Beach Drive-In all week, and a new charity ride to benefit animal shelters, in honor of the rally’s late cat, Mae West June 12.

For more information visit https://www.laconiamcweek.com.

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