LEESBURG, Fla. – Tens of thousands of motorcycles are expected to roll through Lake County as the 29th Leesburg Bikefest gets underway.
The festival draws riders from across the country and is happening after questions were raised about the event’s sustainability.
Last year, commissioners learned that recent years of the Bikefest resulted in the city losing more than $100,000 from a fund with money from a former partnership.
“The way it was being done before, it just wasn’t going to be something that we could sustain to keep moving forward,” Special Events Manager Maggie Lyden said.
With worries the city may have to dip into the general fund, commissioners voted to contract with an outside company to manage alcohol sales for this year’s event.
“We feel like that was a really good choice to make the event more sustainable, so we can continue to grow it and continue to do it in the future,” Lyden said.
Visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy live music, vendors, bike shows, live action stunts, and other activities.
The free community event features headliners Lita Ford, Everclear, and Sister Hazel. More than 20 other bands will perform on other stages.
With more than 100,000 people expected to attend Leesburg Bikefest, businesses are also hoping for an economic boost.
“The event itself brings in $40 million to the Lake County area,” Lyden said. “Hotels, bars, restaurants, everything is packed out from Leesburg and the surrounding areas. So, it’s a huge boost for this county.
Leesburg Bikefest will cover several blocks in the city’s historic downtown Friday through Sunday.