Thousands of motorcycles have been rumbling across roads and highways leading to Lake George over the past week. The annual Americade draws vendors, motorcyclists and money to the region.
The gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts was founded in 1983 by Bull Dutcher who, 31 years later, is coordinating events for this week’s Americade.
Dutcher believes that convention concept, mixed with biking activities, is why the event has remained popular over three decades.
Dutcher points to a study by SUNY Plattsburgh completed about six years ago that found Americade had a 46 million dollar net impact on the Warren County economy.
Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Consuelo says the typical tourism businesses are benefitting.
Lake George Mayor Robert Blais calls Americade the biggest economic week of the village’s season. He cites estimates that bikers spend between 35 and 45 million dollars annually.
While most of the spending is centered in the Lake George area, Warren County Tourism Director Kate Johnson says surrounding areas also benefit.
Americade officials do not release attendance records. County officials track tourism spending through the county-wide occupancy tax, but did not have separate figures available for Americade spending.