Controversial Lake Co. motorcycle show returning?

Owners of a Libertyville bar say they'll try again to host a motorcycle show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, less than a year after a last-minute cancellation was ordered because of violence concerns.

Mark Khayat, owner of Austin's Saloon & Eatery in Libertyville, said he's presented plans to fairgrounds' operators for the Ironhorse Roundup Bike Show on May 3.

Despite last year's controversy, Grayslake Mayor Timothy Perry said fairgrounds representatives are welcome to apply for a special-use permit the village would have to approve for Ironhorse to proceed.

Perry said the village's administrative staff - not elected officials - would rule on the permit application. He also could have a role in the decision.

"I guess the buck stops with the mayor if it gets that far," Perry said Friday.

Khayat said he intends to have Vince Neil, formerly of Motley Crue, as Ironhorse's headline act, which would have been the case last year. Motorcycle blessings, food, drinks and seven bands would be part of the event.

Austin's parking lot off Route 137 in Libertyville was the motorcycle show's venue from 2005 to 2007. Khayat said Ironhorse, projected to attract 10,000 visitors in May, became too big for Austin's.

"This is what you go to the fairgrounds for," Khayat said. "That's why they're created."

David DeYoung, president of the Lake County Fair Association Inc. board, said he expects to soon file a formal application with Grayslake seeking the special permit for the motorcycle show.

Information provided to Grayslake authorities from the Illinois State Police's Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center indicated members of the Outlaws motorcycle club, identified as an international criminal organization, had planned to attend last year's show on May 4.

Citing the potential for violence, Perry announced the village canceled Ironhorse's permit two days before the event. Police Chief Larry Herzog said there were more factors involved in the cancellation at the old fairgrounds near routes 120 and 45.

If held, the motorcycle show would be at the new fairgrounds north of Peterson and Midlothian roads in Grayslake. Khayat said there would be 140 private security guards for the event.

Khayat estimated last year's sudden cancellation cost his business more than $100,000. Out-of-state vendors who traveled to the Grayslake area from as far as San Diego also complained of losses.