An article published in the Union Leader Staff reports that the City of Laconia, New Hampshire has modified its ordinances to limit tempora...
An article published in the Union Leader Staff reports that the City of Laconia, New Hampshire has modified its ordinances to limit temporary vendor permits to no more than nine days. This came at the request of the city's police department, who sought to gain greater control over Laconia Bike Week.
For many years until the mid-1990s, the event was a weekend rally that drew mostly a regional crowd. But it has grown to a week, with two weekends at either end, and the number of visitors now come from greater distances and stay longer.Last year, vendors were able to get a nine-day temporary permit, with the ability to stretch it to a full month for only an additional $50.00. Now, vendor permits are limited to nine days, with no extension. Police hope that as vendors leave, the bikers will leave too.
It is now considered one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the nation, behind Sturgis, S.D., and Daytona Beach, Fla.
After the 2004 rally, some residents pressed for limits on the event's length.
