Most in Sturgis Want Delayed Rally Due to COVID-19, Survey Finds

A survey by the Sturgis City Council found that most locals want the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally postponed due to the coronavirus.

The Rapid City Journal reports the city mailed 3,290 surveys to resident addresses and more than 60 percent of those responding want the rally suspended.

The city will hear a presentation from the rally officials on Monday with information gathered throughout May and June from businesses, hotels, motels, campgrounds, police and hospitals. The city has said it would make an official decision in mid-June on whether to go forward with hosting the event.

Sturgis Rally and Events Director Jerry Cole said his staff and city officials have had about three to five meetings a day over the past five weeks with businesses, state and federal representatives, and others.

Cole said all campgrounds will be open during the rally, which is scheduled for Aug. 7-16.

Buffalo Chip president and founder Rod Woodruff has said that the campgrounds will be open and his staff will be there to welcome motorcycle riders regardless of the city’s decision.