Sturgis east? Throttle Fest biker rally comes to Grayslake
After a hiatus of several years, Libertyville promoter Mark Khayat will host another motorcycle rally, but one that is on a larger scale than past shows and promises an experience like that in Sturgis, S.D. — the granddaddy of such gatherings.
Permits have been secured, precautions put in place and local authorities say they expect a well-run weekend of activities at the “neutral colors” event, a reference to motorcycle club affiliations.
“Throttle Fest Chicago 2015” scheduled for June 26-28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds is expected to draw as many as 30,000 people for a variety of motorcycle-related goods, services and entertainment. The rally will feature the entire cast of the truTV show “Full Throttle Saloon,” as well as 80 vendors, stunt riders, concerts, custom bike builders, wrestling and other activities.
The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, billed as the world's largest biker bar, does six to eight events outside their home turf, said Khayat, owner of Austin's Saloon & Eatery in Libertyville. He has an exclusive agreement for entertainment rights at the fairgrounds on Peterson and Midlothian roads in Grayslake, but has focused on musical acts.
Khayat said he is a “pretty avid biker” who has been going to Sturgis for years and has come to know the proprietors. Beginning in 2005, Khayat hosted the Ironhorse Roundup bike show at Austin's with no problems. In 2008, he wanted a larger venue and received permission for the former Lake County Fairgrounds on routes 120 and 45 in Grayslake.
But two days before the show, the village canceled the permit after police became concerned about unnamed circumstances that threatened the “health and public safety” of attendees and village residents. It was later revealed members of a motorcycle club identified as an international criminal organization had planned to attend.
Khayat took the event to Waukegan and then to the Libertyville Sports Complex, where the last one was held in 2010.
He said he's wanted to revive the Ironhorse for awhile, but “finding the perfect piece of property isn't an easy bill to fill.” He has been in discussion for months with Grayslake officials, including Police Chief Phil Perlini.
“I was happy to hear they were open minded about this again,” he said.
Perlini said this event is “very well structured, well planned and much more mainstream.” The no-colors rule means no motorcycle club of any affiliation will be allowed to wear their patches, he added.
For larger events, village officials, the fire department, fairgrounds staff and event coordinators typically meet well in advance, said Kevin Timony, assistant to the village manager. Fire and safety considerations, security plans and other details are reviewed and when satisfied, a temporary use permit is issued.
“Everything is well organized,” said Jon Brodzik, president of the fair board of directors. “I have no concerns whatsoever.”
Khayat noted Indian motorcycles is a main sponsor. A dealership of the high-end bikes opened last week in downtown Libertyville in a Khayat-owned building.
“It's a real mainstream thing, like you're seeing with Indian on Main Street,” he said of the rally.