Downtown Elkin will be the site of the Saturday HOG rally ride-in and motorcycle show from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The event will benefit The Reeves Theatre Restoration Project. This is the first time Elkin has hosted a part of the annual rally.

"The HOG, Harley Owners Group, annual ride began in 1994 at Tilley's Harley Davidson in Statesville," event coordinator Jean Collins said. "There are more than 750,000 members worldwide. We have more than 1,300 pre-registered for this week's events from 25 states, Canada and Great Britain."

The events begin today in Mount Airy with the riders early registration. There will be events nightly throughout Mount Airy, Dobson, Pilot Mountain, Winston-Salem and Elkin. Tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., HOG riders will ride in a parade through downtown Mount Airy, where the public is invited to attend and view the many motorcycles.

On Friday, members will ride into Dobson for a night of 'Old Time Music and Celebration' with music from the Mountain Park Old Time band and the Mayberry Squares, who will be calling square dances and performing. Food from Fletcher's, Moma May's Pizza and Subway will be available for purchase with the Coffee Bean serving beer and Shelton Vineyards offering their wines for sale. Dobson merchants will set up on the square and the town encourages people to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the square and enjoy the entertainment.

Dobson's tourism authority is funding the Dobson event.

"Our annual event is located in a different area each year," Collins said. "It is a time for the members to get together and have a good time. Harley owners wishing to participate should try to pre-register online at ncstatehogrally.com, but registration on site will be available on Wed. from 5 - 8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Registration is $30. Pre-registration offers a T-shirt and a pin, not available with on site registration."

Elkin will host the Harley show with categories in Antique, Big Twin, Full Dresser, Sportster, and Custom. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be given in each category. An entry fee of $10 is required to participate in the show.

"The show bikes will be parked on West Main, from the square down towards the library, and visitors to the event may park on E. Main, from 21 & Main towards the bridge," Laurette Leagon, Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce President said."

"We will also have a people's choice award where popcorn boxes will be placed beside each harley and visitors can choose their favorite by placing change or dollar bills in the popcorn boxes, she said. "The bike with the most money collected will win. All money from the entry fees and the popcorn boxes will go to The Reeves Theatre."

The event in Elkin is being funded by the Elkin Tourism Authority.

Food will be available on Main Street by Royall's, Harry's Place, which will also be offering beer sales, Wanda's Riverside Cafe and 21 & Main. Wine will be offered for purchase by Elkin Creek Winery, Grassy Creek Vineyards, and Brushy Mountain Winery. A valid photo ID will be required for purchase of beer and wine. Some of the downtown merchants will be having money saving sidewalk sales. There is no admission charge to attend the event. Live music will be provided by Klee Liles and New River Trestle.

"Bonfires and Ghost Riders in Elkin will be open for riders and the public. You must be 21 to attend Ghost Riders Wed. - Sat. nights until 2 a.m.," Collins said.

On Saturday morning, the Masons will hold a pancake breakfast in the streets of downtown Mt. Airy from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. to benefit the Oxford Children's home. The public is invited to come and eat breakfast with the HOG members and view the bikes. Legion Riders will have a vendor field with 30 - 40 participating vendors offering motorcycle parts, food vendors, crafts and activities. There is an admission fee to the park event.

For more information or the complete schedule of events and rides, or to pre-register for the annual rally, visit ncstatehogrally.com.