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Guide to York Bike Night: Parade, parking, more


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Thousands of rip-roaring motorcycles zipping through downtown York can only mean one thing.

Bike Night is back.

The annual festival will bring bikers from across the country to York to show off their rides Friday night before participating in other bike-related events, like the Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Operations open house and Jefferson Hill Climb throughout the weekend.

Not a biker? Don’t dismiss it so quickly. Bike Night is essentially a giant block party with live music, food and fun that kicks off with a motorcycle parade through Continental Square at 6 p.m.

And who doesn’t love a parade?

This year’s theme is Sportsters, which means you’ll see those models riding near the front of the parade along with this year’s grand marshal: The Motor Maids. These female motorcyclists from across the U.S. and Canada are known for promoting safe riding skills.

Anyone with a motorcycle can ride in the parade, organizer Mary Yeaple said. She’s expecting at least 1,000 bikes of a variety of makes, models and colors, including Harley-Davidson’s new 2017 motorcycles.

Following the parade, a selection of Sportsters will be on display in Continental Square, and the public can vote for their favorite, Yeaple said. Marc Duell, of Greenville, plans to display the first Sportster ever produced at the Harley-Davidson plant in York. It was assembled Feb. 2, 1973.

New this year is a JumpStart Rider Experience, designed for non-motorcycle riders.

"It's a chance for people who have never been on a Harley to experience the feel of starting up a Harley-Davidson," Yeaple said.

The event will also include family-friendly entertainment, including a visual comedian, caricature artist, stilt walker and balloon twister, as well as live music from Smokin Gunnz, Bluesman Tom Larsen Band and the York College Rock Band.

Food vendors will also be available.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #BikeNightYork.

Parade route

The parade will leave the York Expo Center at 6 p.m., traveling east on Market Street to Broad Street and back to the Continental Square area.

Street closures

The following streets will close Friday beginning at 3 p.m.:

  • George Street from Market to Philadelphia 

The following streets will close Friday beginning at 5 p.m.:

  • Market Street from Pershing to Duke
  • George Street from King to Philadelphia
  • Beaver Street from King to Philadelphia

Parking will be restricted in these areas beginning at 3 p.m.

Parking

Free parking will be available at the King Street Garage (one block from Continental Square), Philadelphia Street Garage (one and a half blocks from Continental Square) and Susquehanna Commerce Center (six blocks from Continental Square).

On-street meter parking is free after 5 p.m.

If you go

What: York Bike Night

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23

Where: Continental Square in downtown York

Cost: Free

More info: Visit www.yorkcity.org/bikenight

Note: Pets and bicycles are prohibited.