Most of the time, the only thing that Sturgis means to people is the fact the town holds host to one of the largest Harley-Davidson rallies in the United States.  Well, get ready, folks, as this is about to change.  Add the Ford Mustang to the list of frequent visitors from here forward.  This first annual Ford Mustang rally is set to start on August 30th and wrap up on Sunday, September 2nd.  Take a look inside for more details and the full events schedule.

Official Press Release from the Black Hills Pioneer

Frank Lawton is the chairman of this event, as well as a Mustang enthusiast. He said the Ford Mustang has been an American icon since it first rolled off the assembly line in 1964. "They appeal to all segments of the population," Lawton, who owns a 2005 Saleen Mustang and a 2006 Mustang GT, said.

Expect to see many older collectible Mustangs as well as their late model, more technologically advanced counterparts.

Lawton hopes that this rally will become the premier Mustang rally in the nation. He expects a very good turnout for this first event.

"We've got people coming in from all over the country," Lawton said.
According to Robin Shrake, the secretary/treasurer for the Mustang Club of America, she puts on a grand national rally every year. Located in a different town every year - the Mustang Rally is scheduled at least two years in advance.
"We're hoping within three to five years we can bring the national rally here to Sturgis," Shrake said.

It will be a fun-filled weekend for those who participate. There will be a swap meet, drag races, show and shine, street dance and a couple of different poker runs throughout the weekend where $3,000 in prize money will be available.
The whole purpose of this rally is to bring more people through the town of Sturgis. As of now, Sturgis is only bustling for two weeks out of the year when the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally comes to town. Shrake explained that sometimes it is all about just bringing more income to the town. "Property taxes are high in Sturgis, and one way to bring them down is to increase the amount of retail sales, which Shrake hopes this rally will accomplish.

"If we can bring in more retail sales, that would be a good step towards lowering property taxes," Shrake said.

Some of the major sponsors of the Mustang Rally include, Sturgis Business Alliance, Ford Motor Co., Jacobsen Ford, First National Bank, Kick Start, The Knuckle Saloon, The Roo Ranch, First Western Bank, Gunner's Lounge and the Rapid Mustang and Ford Club of the Black Hills.

"The Black Hills is a wonderful destination, especially for a three day weekend," Shrake said.

There is a Sturgis Mustang Rally limited edition Mustang in the works that Lawton hopes will debut in time for the first annual rally. Also, one lucky person will drive off in a brand new Ford Mustang that will be raffled off. To register visit their Web site atwww.sturgismustangrally.com.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Aug. 30
6 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Registration and reception

Friday, Aug. 31
8 a.m. - noon - Late comer registration
8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Southern Hills poker run
7 p.m. - Pub-crawl in downtown Sturgis

Saturday, Sept. 1
8 a.m. - 10 p.m. - Later comer registration
8 a.m. - 10 a.m. - Show and shine lineup
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Show and shine on Main Street
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Swap meet at the serenity lot
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Drag races at Sturgis Dragway
8 p.m. - midnight - Awards and dance on Main Street

Sunday, Sept. 2
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Northern Hills poker run
Noon - 4 p.m. - "Ponies in the Park" picnic
4 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Drag racing finals