Article contentThe stunt riders will also be staging a mini stunt show on Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. near the Digby Hospital for patients. Share the Wind will also be there.Article content“Share the Wind is an independent but closely connected feature of the rally and is indeed the community legacy feature of the rally,” says Larsen.Article contentStarted about 10 years ago, Share the Wind is a program where Wharf Rat Rally volunteers visit senior care facilities and hospitals each year, treating seniors, members of adult care programs, patients, staff, and family to rides in a sidecar. It has grown to include organizations outside of Digby, including Clare, Annapolis, Yarmouth, and Eastern Valley.Article contentThe 10th annual Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) Darren Williams Commemorative Ride from Digby to Yarmouth County will be departing from the Digby Walmart parking lot at 11 a.m. on Aug. 30. Registration for that opens at 10 a.m.Article contentArticle contentThe ride goes to the Afghanistan Memorial in honour of Canadians who died in Afghanistan, which is located at the Maple Grove school in Hebron. The memorial was erected through the dedicated efforts of students and parents of the Maple Grove and Yarmouth High Memorial Club. The run is an independent event organized wholly by the CAV.Article content Bikers make their way along Water Street in Digby during the 2024 Wharf Rat Rally. TINA COMEAU Photo by Tina Comeau /.Article contentMeanwhile in Conway, the 2nd annual Southwest Iron and Ink Association motorcycle, music and tattoo rally is revving up to deliver four days of events to compliment WRR weekend.Article contentThe Up East Crew stunt show will be performing. Numerous competitions will be staged, from burnouts to tattoos. A custom bike show, live music and numerous biker games are among the events planned.Article contentThe Southwest Iron and Ink rally has people on the organizing side who were involved with the Wharf Rat Rally, says Larsen.Article content“They have a different approach to their programming,” Larsen says. “We are focusing on providing community-friendly attractions and entertainment all in the downtown core. We’re not looking to compete by any means. I’m sure there will be lots of people who do both.”Article contentArticle contentLast year, an estimated around 7,000 to 8,000 motorcycles attended the Wharf Ray Rally throughout the four days, with an estimated 20,000 visitors, spectators, and community members joining in the fun.Article content“The Wharf Rat Rally has a tremendous impact on our local economy, not only in Digby, but in the surrounding communities as well,” said Doug Ralph, Tourism Development Manager for the Digby Area Tourism Association.Article content“A report that was commissioned last year for the rally’s 20th anniversary revealed that there was $3.1 million in visitor spending that weekend. $1.1 million in local wages and salaries. $3.4 million in initial expenditures and $4.5 million in overall economic activity in the province,” says Ralph. “The Wharf Rat Rally created 44 local jobs and brought in 7,500 out-of-town visitors. With even more excitement and improvements to this year’s festival, we are hoping for similar, if not better results.”Article contentMore information about the Wharf Rat Rally can be found online at wharfratrally.com and on it’s Facebook page.Article contentMore information about the Southwest Iron and Ink Association motorcycle, music and tattoo rally can be found online on its Facebook page.Article content
21st Digby Wharf Rat Rally, 2nd annual Southwest Iron and Ink rally both starting Aug. 28
