BN- Thousands are bikers are rolling into Volusia County, flooding the streets and spending money as they roar through town for this...
BN- Thousands are bikers are rolling into Volusia County, flooding the streets and spending money as they roar through town for this year's Biketoberfest, the annual event that officially kicks off today in Daytona Beach.
Many bikers actually came to town early and lined up their bikes along Main Street on Wednesday much to the delight of local business owners.
"Two times a year, we make money here on Main Street, and this is one of them," said Johanna Blomberg, owner of Unleashed Biker Jewelry. "Main Street is not that busy here year-round, so this brings a lot of business to the area."
Bike Week in the spring became so successful that Daytona Beach began hosting another biker fest in the fall. Additionally, event organizers said the event was created to give a boost to the region at a time of year that's typically slow. The goal was to lift the profits of local businesses that usually see an October sales dip.
"So, we get about 100,000–120,000 bikers for Biketoberfest during a time when we really need them," said Lori Campbell Baker, with the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
While Biketoberfest has never been as big as Bike Week, the annual event still generates more than $15 million for the Volusia County economy. Counties in the area, like Flagler County, also benefit from the week-long event.
"We're a tourist town, we live and die by the tourists," said Bill O'Dwyer, a Biketoberfest vendor. "Especially now that gas seems to be a little cheaper. People seem to be in a better mood to spend money,"
By the time the $15 million trickles down, tourism officials said it ends up being closer to $45 million for the local economy.
"Bikers support everything, and they spend the most out of everyone," said biker Steve Fernandez, who is in town from Connecticut.
