Steel Rally has an economic impact on Fort Smith

        FORT SMITH, Arkansas. Cyclists from across the region and residents of Fort Smith compete in the 2023 steel rally.
       5NEWS spoke to riders at the event who said, “This is a motorcycle rally…we want to enjoy motorcycles…it’s a brotherhood.”
        The fraternity grew to over 200,000 members last year, according to organizers and city officials. More are expected this year.
       ”What I love about this event is that it’s not just for a specific group of people, but for all ages, and there’s something for everyone to do,” said Fort Smith’s Josh Buchfink.
        Thousands of people come to have fun, eat and play games, all for a good cause. The rally raises money for local charities and honors those who have served.
       ”What I love about their mission is to honor all the people who have served… be it veterans, first responders, police officers… but also help the community come back, which they do year after year,” he said. Buchfink.
        Dennis Snow, chairman of Steel Horse Rally, said they have a projected economic impact of $22 million this year, saying it was a win-win for everyone. City officials said revenues for hotels and businesses in downtown Garrison increased this weekend following the incident.
        “Because it’s an opportunity for them to make themselves known to other people and really sell to people who may not actually be coming downtown. So it’s also a good opportunity for them to show “hello, we” to the locals. This is what we offer,” explained Buchfink.
       The event not only had a positive impact on downtown Fort Smith, but benefited those in need through philanthropy.
       “Steel Marathon has donated thousands of dollars to our cause,” said Sharon Chapman, president of the Child Protection Coalition.
        The Children’s Services Alliance is a non-profit organization that provides clothing to needy students in the Fort Smith School District. Chapman said she was delighted to be the recipient of the event.
       “The financial support we received from the Steel Marathon helped us provide additional clothing – shoes, socks, underwear, t-shirts and the like… we provided head-to-toe clothing,” Chapman said.