Motorcycle rally coming to downtown Baton Rouge

The first-ever Red Stick Rally will be held downtown Oct. 28-30. Jack Kellerman, coordinator of the motorcycle event, says he expects 10,000 people will attend the rally. Kellerman says already 100 people have signed up online but that bikers traditionally register for rallies once they arrive. Kellerman’s brother, Brett, one of the organizers, has been involved in Las Vegas Bike Week for a number of years. “There are a couple of rallies in Texas that bring in over 100,000 people,” Jack Kellerman says. “We’re looking at this being a long-term event to attract people from all over the U.S.” The Red Stick Rally has already garnered support from several well-known local sponsors, such as Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorcycles of Baton Rouge, WAFB and Hollywood Casino. Plans are to have live music, a strongman competition and a Halloween costume contest. Front Street from the River Center to Florida Boulevard will be blocked off for the event. “People will be able to walk right from the rally to the downtown bars and restaurants,” Kellerman says. —Timothy Boone