Craig S. Johnson: In defense of Laconia's Motorcycle Week rally

To The Daily Sun,

It always amazes me how quickly some folks forget what Motorcycle Week brings to the Lakes Region. As a rider myself, I’ve seen it come and go year after year — and what it brings is a major boost to our local economy, a tradition that dates back over a century, and a sense of excitement that reminds us we live in a place people love to visit.

Yet every year, someone clutches their pearls and acts like it’s a Wild West invasion. Yes, it gets loud. Yes, traffic picks up — usually just the bookends of the weekend. Blink twice and it’s over. And no, Edna can still make it to her beauty salon — just go early. It’s never been a problem getting to the grocery store either.

Maybe instead of closing the shutters and hiding inside, try pulling up a lawn chair and watching the parade. The bikes are beautiful, the people are respectful, and they genuinely love being here. This isn’t about disrupting someone's Friday wash, set, and dry. It’s about a long-standing tradition that brings joy and dollars to our area.

Kudos to the towns, the organizers, and our police, fire, and first responders. They make it safe, and yes — they earn every dime of that overtime. Let’s stop acting like this event is a burden. It’s a celebration — one we’re lucky to host.

Craig S. Johnson

Meredith