Grayslake explains little in canceling motorcycle show

Citing public safety concerns, Grayslake pulled the plug at the last minute on a motorcycle show that was to include music and other activities for an estimated 40,000 patrons Sunday at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Austin's Saloon, a Libertyville bar and restaurant, has sponsored the Ironhorse Roundup Bike Show since 2005 and moved it to the fairgrounds this year because of its growth. The bar's owner and fairgrounds president were upset the event's permit was canceled late Friday afternoon.

Grayslake Mayor Timothy Perry declined to specify why the village canceled the fairgrounds' permit for the show.

The village cited in a news release only information obtained by police.

"Based upon the information obtained, the Grayslake Police Department became concerned about circumstances which threaten the health and public safety of those attending the event and the people of Grayslake," the village stated.

Austin's owner Mark Khayat said he didn't receive any details when he learned of the cancellation about 4:30 p.m. Friday. Based on the nationally advertised event's growth pattern, he said, nearly 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts were likely to attend Sunday.

"We've never had one incident happen at one of these events," Khayat said. "We had over 18,000 last year and everything has doubled."

Beside the large crowd that was expected, vendors and musicians -- including headliner Vince Neil, formerly of Motley Crue -- have been heading to Grayslake from across the country, Khayat said.

Seven bands were set to play the event, said Lia Khayat, wife of Austin's owner. Motorcycle blessings, food and drinks also were to be part of the Ironhorse Roundup Bike Show.

Lake County Fair Association board President David DeYoung said his organization spent thousands of dollars preparing the property for the event. He said the show would have been in an open area west of routes 45 and 120.

DeYoung said village officials provided him only with a letter about the cancellation.

"That's what's really disturbing to me," DeYoung said. "They don't give us a reason or anything."

DeYoung said he's hired extra security because of the possibility throngs of visitors will descend on the fairgrounds Sunday without knowing the Ironhorse Roundup Bike Show has been canceled. Perry said village police will be prepared for such a situation.

Lia Khayat sounded shocked and dejected about the event's cancellation.

"What are we going to do with all these people?" she said.