Dealership Great Ideas — July 16, 2014

Dealership celebrates remodel with Grand Reopening Party

Wild Fire Harley-Davidson in Villa Park, Ill., had a Grand Reopening Party on July 12 to showcase the completion of its interior remodel. The party, which kicked off at noon, included free beverages, free HOG sandwiches, a free bikini bike wash, free raffles, $98 back on tire installs and live music from Allison Wonderband and AC/DC tribute band TNT. 

Harley, Ford dealership partner for charity ride

On Saturday, July 12, the 6th annual Heroes, Horses, and Hogs benefit took place at Open Road Harley-Davidson in Fond du Lac, Wis. Holiday Automotive was also a sponsor of the not-for-profit event, showcasing Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Ford Mustang cars, that benefited two local Disabled American Veteran chapters and featured a number of attractions, prizes and local vendors.

Among the highlights of this year’s lineup of events were a meet-and-greet appearance by former Green Bay Packer Ahman Green, tattoo contest, silent auction, beer garden and live music by Record Entertainment DJ services of Fond du Lac and Milwaukee band the Rabid Aardvarks. Attendees also had a chance to vote for their favorite vehicles, win prizes throughout the day and purchase food from area vendors Eden Meat Market & Catering and Grandpa Chuck’s Kettle Corn.

Formerly known as Horses and Hogs, the event’s name was changed in 2014 to include “Heroes” in order to highlight the importance of the purpose behind the event. For organizers, sponsors, participants and attendees, the focus of the celebration, in addition to appreciating the hobbies of Ford Mustang and Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, is to honor those who have served their country and to raise funds that directly benefit those individuals. The public is highly encouraged to attend.

Power 50 dealer hosts Christmas fundraiser in July

Cole Harley-Davidson in Bluefield, W.Va., hosted Little Jimmie’s Christmas in July from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. All proceeds of the event benefited The Community Christmas Tree, also known as The Little Jimmie Campaign. Each holiday season, the dealership, which was a 2013 Powersports Business Power 50 winner, contributes to nearly 800 gift bags that are distributed to local children in need as part of The Community Christmas Tree. Cole Harley-Davidson has been involved in the event since the dealership’s 1998 opening, but the Cole family has been participating for more than two decades. Saturday’s event included a cookout and beer, live music by Southern Nights Band and a car show by the East River Street Rod Association.

California dealership hosts Norton viewing

GP Motorcycles in San Diego invited customers to an Official Norton Viewing on Saturday, July 12. Though the Norton Commando 961 on display was already pre-sold, GP Motorcycles delayed its delivery, so the unit could be shown all day Saturday. The Shakespeare Pub provided English food starting at 1 p.m. 

Dealership asks customers to Ride the Circuit

Four sister Harley-Davidson stores in Ohio has invited customers to the 3^rd annual Ride the Circuit event, which encourages riders to visit each of the group’s stores in one day. The Saturday, July 19 event is hosted by Mad River Harley-Davidson in Sandusky, Rock-N-Roll City Harley-Davidson in Cleveland, Rubber City Harley-Davidson in Cuyahoga Falls and Adventure Harley-Davidson in Dover. The dealerships will each offer a pancake breakfast and hot dogs for lunch for participants. A $500 gift card will be awarded to one visitor at each dealership, while one grand prize winner from the combined dealerships will receive a $1,000 gift card.