Interesting perspective, dedicated to a hobby

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In the 70's and early 80's our little town used to have a motorcycle "Grand Prix' Labor Day weekend, I am told. People have said it was a bit rowdy and not family friendly exactly back in the day. Labor Day is still our main community holiday with a parade or two and an 1880's baseball game, etc. In 2023 the Bent Rims Florence Grand Prix was reinstated, but moved to Memorial Day. The participants began arriving today for the third year of the new race. They come with motorcycles in trailers and riding in trucks pulling campers. They come with kids and dogs and wives and girlfriends. New motor bikes and vintage.Also fat tired old fashioned two wheel bicycles So far it has been very family friendly. The few local businesses garner some extra cash and traffic. People have fun and come in from all over. Bob talked with a guy that drove from Colorado. For those that do not know, Colorado is west of Kansas. Florence is in the north central part of eastern Kansas. That is a way to go for a hobby. The city rents out camping places in the former football field--directly across the street from me. One camper has proudly raised his state of Texas flag. Texas is two states away. Also a ways to go. What does this mean in our town? We have a few little historic things in town, we have a few vendors come in with food and crafts, etc. Local eateries get some walk ins. Our population is about 390. 400 motorcycles are registered to ride the ten mile track, going around ten times for a one hundred mile course. Bob and I do lots of people watching. And when it gets dark, the lights go down, our camping neighbors visit quietly. Bruno wants to watch but will stay close to the front porch. I know, this is not exactly what Memorial Day was for originally, but it has long since turned into the summer kick-off. Ready for summer fun. Some participants visit the local churches on Sunday. Our city seems to welcome them. I think it is a nice way to celebrate the long weekend.