Bikes, Blues & BBQ postponed after health officials raise concerns

The annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally originally set for Sept. 22–25 has been postponed to an unknown date, organizers announced Thursday night on Facebook.

What happened: Organizers had little choice after the U of A decided Thursday not to allow BBB to use its lots for rally events as planned.

• The Fayetteville Board of Health officially asked that the event be postponed in a letter dated Thursday to BBB executive director Tommy Sisemore and U of A officials.
• This came after Washington Regional Medical Center chief operating officer Birch Wright explained during a Wednesday board meeting that NWA hospitals do not have the resources to care for emergency room visits that tend to result from the rally (such as from motorcycle accidents and alcohol intake) because they are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

What's next: Organizers say to follow their social media for updates.

Context: Bikes, Blues & BBQ is one of the largest bike rallies in the country. Unless you're new here, you know the rally is completely unavoidable in Fayetteville, and you're likely to hear and see motorcycles and bikers all over NWA during the September weekend rally.

• You also know that BBB stirs some strong opinions, especially among Fayetteville residents. Many love it. Many hate it. Some of us give it a good walk-through, get some barbecue and go home.
• Of note: Some rally events also take place at the Pig Trail Harley-Davidson in Rogers.

Flashback: The rally was canceled last year because of the pandemic.