Regional Motorcycle and Tattoo Event Slated for Canton, Ohio

CANTON, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2008 - Sturgis in the Midwest? The USA Motorcycle - Tattoo Classic, the hottest new regional event this fall, is coming to the Stark County Fairgrounds in Canton, Ohio. The event promises a weekend of star-studded entertainment for all motorcycle and tattoo enthusiasts, September 19 through 21st.

National celebrities attending the event include custom bike builders Eddie Trotta ( http://www.thundercycles.com/ ) (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Hank Young ( http://www.youngchoppers.com/ ) (Atlanta, GA) from the Discovery Channel, Hollywood-based model and TV personality Michele Smith ( http://www.michelesmith.tv/ ), host of Speed Channel's American Thunder , and talk show guest and TV personality Biker Billy, the Harley-riding chef and author of Biker Billy Cooks with Fire ( http://www.bikerbilly.net/ ).

For those not familiar with or even fearful of the motorcycle enthusiast crowd, an event like this can be a little intimidating but also eye-opening. Consider that many executives, professionals and maybe even the gray-haired secretary in your boss's office like to go for a ride when the weather is nice, so the attendance at this family-friendly event will cross all demographic boundaries. The entertainment line-up includes national rock tribute bands presented by The Summit Entertainment, including Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd), Almost Queen (Queen), Strutter (Kiss), Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), Vicious Cycle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Draw the Line (Aerosmith) and Zoso (Led Zeppelin).

"This is the first event of its kind for the Midwest," said Ken McGill, one of the event organizers. "The national celebrities are very excited about it."

A Hank Young (Young Choppers, Atlanta, GA) custom bike that won the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off will be raffled off, with proceeds benefiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees' Assistance Fund.

Sixty of the nation's top tattoo artists will be on hand as well. Event organizers have worked closely with the Canton Health Department to ensure that sanitary conditions and customer safety is a top priority. In fact, a number of health-related presentations are part of the tattoo convention. "The cooperation and partnership of the City of Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been incredible," said McGill. "We hope to have a great turnout and show motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the Midwest a great time."

High fuel prices kept many Midwest and East Coast motorcyclists from making the sojourn to Sturgis this year and McGill thinks this event is the perfect alternative. Canton is centrally located and has access to the major freeway corridors I-77, I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike. In addition, the Akron Canton Airport is one of the fastest growing regional airports in America and is served by several major carriers. The area also offers plenty of affordable lodging and transportation options.

The USA Motorcycle - Tattoo Classic is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm and admission is $12.000 per day, or $25 for a weekend pass.