How We See It: Motorcycle Rally Creates Boom For Economy

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

For the people who feel assaulted by, or who simply relocate to avoid, the influx of motorcycles for the annual Bikes, Blues and BBQ rally, there is only so much any study or public relations bullet point can accomplish in convincing them of the rally's positive aspects.

No matter how "family oriented" or charitable the event is, its very nature will always create the almost incessant rumble, punctuated by loud roars, that overtakes downtown Fayetteville at the start of every fall. It's a motorcycle rally, organized by a private nonprofit organization of biker enthusiasts. For them, the roar is the welcome soundtrack of their chosen interest.

WHAT'S THE POINT?

The economics of the Bikes, Blues and BBQ motorcycle rally provide strong evidence of the event’s success for the region, despite the annual concerns about noise and traffic that come with it.

Nothing short of bikers switching to Prius-style electric hybrid motors that swish gently by (yeah, that's not going to happen) will change the four-day rally's aural experience, and the traffic congestion is a necessary side effect of a downtown-centered rally.

The rally is what it is. The only question is whether it's worth the trouble.

According to a rally-funded study by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, it's more than worth the trouble from an economic standpoint. On the good years, charitable donations arise from the rally's efforts. Last year, it was $114,000 directly and $85,000 through related fundraisers, according to event officials. But that's just a small part of the impact.

Economic researchers determined that for every 100,000 people who visit the area for the rally, the economic impact is $23 million. Kathy Deck, the economist who led the research, said an intentionally conservative estimate for attendance at the rally was 300,000 in 2013, meaning the overall economic impact was $69 million.

That's something worth roaring about. The researchers estimate the rally represents an equivalent of the impact of three home Razorback football games. Bikes, Blues and BBQ visitors spend about $400 each in the local economy, according to the UA research. Each one pays about $24 in state sales tax and $12 in local sales taxes.

We're glad to see an earnest effort to demonstrate the economic impact of this rally. From a community perspective, that's the whole point of supporting any sort of festival or rally, beyond, of course, whatever cultural impact an even has. If we're to pursue and accept that venues like the Walton Arts Center or the Arkansas Music Pavilion or Razorback Stadium draw people in smaller groups and have lasting economic impact, we must also accept this massive rally does the same and beyond.

Advertising and promotion commissions in cities across the state devote considerable resources to churning up events that draw people by the thousands. Few would have any issues grasping for an event that draws them by the tens of thousands over the course of four days. The roar of the engines is temporary; the fuel it provides for the local economy lasts much longer.

Bikes Blues and BBQ is an event locals will either love, hate or simply endure, but it's not economically wise to wish for its demise.

Cash registers and paychecks don't make as much noise as motorcycles, but their impact is far more lasting.

Commentary on 03/19/2014