Ayotte welcomes Laconia Motorcycle Week 'with open arms'

LACONIA — Laconia Motorcycle Week is a New Hampshire mainstay, 103 years strong, and it's no mystery the longevity and prominence of the event is possible through a collaborative effort.

“It takes an army to do this,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said during Thursday’s ceremonial press conference at the Colonial Theatre.

Motorcycle Week is officially underway, running through Sunday, June 21, and the press event brought together a group who invited the world to come and enjoy themselves, safely.

An antique Triumph motorcycle was parked onstage in front of the podium, flanked by other bikes on both sides. One by one, everyone from event organizers, to local law enforcement, to Ayotte, shared their excitement about the week to come.

Cynthia Makris, president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association and owner of the NASWA Resort, acted as emcee of the event.

“Welcome to our home of Laconia, New Hampshire, that has been your ride home for 103 years,” Makris said.

Executive Councilor Joe Kenney (District 1) was invited up to the microphone first, calling Motorcycle Week an “iconic event” that directly helps the local and state economy. He said it showcases everything that makes the state special.

A self-proclaimed motorcycle enthusiast who once rode a 1985 Suzuki GT 250, Kenney has always had a love for Motorcycle Week. He said it's more than just a rally; it's a celebration of freedom and tradition.

“Dedication and enthusiasm have kept this tradition alive for generations,” Kenney said.

Kenney introduced Ayotte, saying the New Hampshire native loves traveling, tourism and Motorcycle Week, while championing liberty and freedom for the Granite State. This is the first Motorcycle Week Ayotte is attending since she was elected governor.

Ayotte, wearing a black leather tank top, thanked Kenney, and also Makris for her efforts, and noted her family has done “amazing” things for the state.

She said Makris and Motorcycle Week Executive Director Charlie St. Clair came to her early on, and said Motorcycle Week needed more promotion. Ayotte said she could not agree more.

“Motorcycle Week is such a phenomenal New Hampshire tradition, but people come from around the world to, not only enjoy the Lakes Region, but to enjoy the freedom of this state, the traditions that they have this week during the rally, and then, to ride along the beautiful lakes,” Ayotte said. “To be able to see our lakes, our mountains, everything New Hampshire has to offer.”

Ayotte said the cherished tradition brings together riders from all over the globe, and many come year after year. She thanked law enforcement in the community, and local leaders, for handling the massive influx of thousands of people, saying they do a great job keeping the week safe and enjoyable.

“I very much want to thank the Belknap County sheriff, Sheriff [Bill] Wright,” Ayotte said. “I want to thank Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield, our State Police, all of Laconia Fire, our current and former city councilors who are here. Everyone who has been a part of having this be such a great, great event for New Hampshire, and keeping our riders safe.”

Attorney General John Formella was at the kickoff event, and said while some people call him the “fun police,” law enforcement is not there to hinder a good time. Simply put, he said don’t drink and ride. He asked local residents to respect the visitors, and when on the road, “check twice.”

“These men and women are here to keep everyone safe,” Formella said, referring to those policing the event. “They’re going to be working hard. They’re going to be working long hours. My message to the public, my message to everyone participating, is that if you see a law enforcement officer, consider thanking them.”

Mayor Mike Bordes and City Manager Kirk Beattie took the podium together, and Bordes welcomed everyone on behalf of the city. He said the rally isn’t just a tradition, but rather a test, showing the city can handle the large crowd, the logistics and the spotlight.

“Every year, we deliver,” Bordes said. “That doesn’t just happen by accident. It happens because people put in the work, long before the first bike rolls into town.”

He gave credit to Beattie, saying he has been grinding through the details behind the scenes for months regarding traffic, infrastructure, safety, and “things nobody notices unless they go wrong.”

“They don’t go wrong because Kirk doesn’t let them,” Bordes said. “Laconia is lucky to have him, and I’m lucky to have him as a partner to run the city.”

Bordes said Canfield, Wright and Fire Chief Tim Joubert have been in constant contact. He said they have shown the city is ready, and safety is not negotiable.

St. Clair and Deputy Director Jennifer Anderson have been organizing and promoting the week together for decades, with Makris calling them "fearless leaders.” Anderson thanked everyone who helped, and for those in charge of major events during the week.

Those include events like the Tower Hill Climb, the gypsy tours, the Gunstock Hill Climb, races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and events led by the New England Racing Museum.

She said Laconia Motorcycle Week is the stuff of legends, as the oldest active motorcycle rally. Anderson is proud she can go anywhere, say she is from New Hampshire, and often Motorcycle Week will be brought up.

“We are the rally heard around the world,” Anderson said.

Michelle Cruz, state director of travel and tourism, is participating in her first Motorcycle Week in the role. She recognized the true collaboration of this massive event, saying it isn’t just an event, but a tradition that attracts thousands of people. This means big things for local and state business. She called it a major driver for economic success.

“The economic benefits are far beyond what we could imagine,” Cruz said.

St. Clair said it is a team effort to get everything done to hold the event. He presented the Fritzie Baer Award to Makris, saying she works closely with him and organizers of Motorcycle Week. He said the award is kept a close secret, and Makris was clearly surprised and elated, as she joins her late father, Peter Makris, a past recipient of the award.

“I think she is a glutton for punishment, with everything on her plate, that she continues to do this job,” St. Clair said. “For that alone, she deserves all the applause and thanks that she sometimes gets, not always.”

Ayotte wants the public to know everyone is welcome, and to come enjoy the event safely while respecting the laws. She said Makris has used the term “Live Free and Ride,” and Ayotte agreed this is appropriate.

She urged everyone to bring their bike, bring their family, and bring their friends to indulge in the region’s restaurants, entertainment, and natural beauty during one of the most exciting weeks of the year.

“I want to thank the riders, I want to thank the visitors, for choosing to spend their time here,” Ayotte said. “We welcome you with open arms.”

The press conference, and other events, can be viewed at vod.lrpa.org.

For a listing of events and more information about Laconia Motorcycle Week, visit laconiamcweek.com.