When Jim and Lonnie Entenman of J&L Harley Davidson started Hot Harley Nights back in 1995 I don't think they could have imagined how big it would get. But the 19th annual event this weekend is an event that people from not only Sioux Falls looks forward to, but people from dozens of other states do too. It's the largest fundraiser of the year for Make A Wish of South Dakota and once all the numbers are crunched this year's contribution will push the total over $2 million in donations in the 19 year history!

This year's Hot Harley Nights expanded to four days, and got started Thursday with a Family Fun Night at J&L Harley. Friday included the ride in bike show, a live auction that raised over $8200 alone (an average 'wish' granted by Make A Wish now costs about $7000)

Each year the tiny South Dakota town of New Effington (population under 300) located 172 miles north of Sioux Falls, hosts a tractor rally and festival to raise money for Make A Wish. The founders then come down during Hot Harley Nights to present the check. This year, their fundraiser helped them present a check for $33,000! Bringing the total that New Effington has contributed to over $160,000! South Dakotans are simply the kindest people and are always willing to help.

And Saturday, the help continued with scenic rides in the rain in the morning, but by late afternoon the clouds moved out, the sun came out, and THOUSANDS of bikes lined up for the biggest parade in the state as we wound our way through the city to downtown where AC/DC tribute band Rock N' Roll Damnation was waiting to put on a great rock show for a great cause.

A pancake feed will wrap up the festivities on Sunday as plans are already in the works for the historic 20th anniversary of Hot Harley Nights. Mark your calendars now for July 9-12, 2015 and come out to support Make A Wish of South Dakota!

Thank you all for your continued support of this event!

 

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Photo Courtesy of Bill Tetrault
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Photo Courtesy of Rock N Roll Damnation
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The bikes are lining up for the parade!

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Some of our Wish Kids who rode in the parade

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Damnation singer Tim Bakke sometimes feels the need to be with the people

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Sonia Larson won a 2014 Harley Davidson Softail Slim in the raffle this weekend!

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Photo Courtesy of Hot Harley Nights
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