Taking advantage of the mild October weather, Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso hosted its Fall Fest from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, October 22. With a fall beer tasting by Leroy’s, Hot Dogs with the HOGS, departmental sales, and giveaways serving as incentives, General Manager Jeff Haggerty was pleased with the turnout.
“We sell motorcycles, but really what we sell is fun. We need to give people a reason to get out, enjoy the day, and have some fun,” Haggerty said. “We've got some in-store specials and a chance to win some different items from every department, so there's a lot of stuff going on.”
MotorClothes Sales Associate Lynn DeLaurentis credits the combination of fun, community, sales, giveaways, and good weather with the event’s great turnout.
“It's beautiful weather, and people just want to be around other like-minded people and take a look at the bikes,” DeLaurentis said. “Everybody enjoys what they're riding and coming in and taking a look at other people's bikes. They like being around other people that enjoy riding Harleys. The sales also definitely bring them out.”
Fall Fest’s sales included the Apparel Department’s 15% off licensed products, rates as low as 4.99% as part of the Sales Department’s Pre-owned Harley Tent Event, and the Parts & Accessories Department’s 15% off products such as Rockford Fosgate Audio and H-D Lighting. Giveaways included the chance to win a big-screen TV and warranty discounts.
The Duneland Hogs Chapter took charge of grilling hot dogs and giving out “Dogs for Hogs.” DeLaurentis said that Harley-Davidson is fortunate to be connected to groups like the Duneland Hogs Chapter that frequently participate in and serve during events like Fall Fest.
“The Hog Chapter is a great group of people that comes out and helps with our events,” DeLaurentis said. “At the majority of our events, we have somebody who's here, helping out. They go on their rides and then they'll be here when people purchase bikes or talk to other people to try and see if we can get some new members to keep growing the chapter.”
MotorClothes Manager Ginger Misch revealed that representatives from Heartland Christian Center, which is working on the Sunshine project for Porter County, were also in attendance at Fall Fest.
“It is awesome to see so many people that join together. They're more like our family than our customers, so they come to visit us and catch up,” Misch said. “I love that family atmosphere. Our bikers are hands down the best people you'll ever meet in your life.”
Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso’s next event will take place on November 19 and include appetizers, wine, beer, free gift wrapping, and a potential appearance by Santa Claus to jumpstart the Christmas season.
“Some of my favorite events happen in November and December because everybody's out looking for Christmas gifts,” Misch said. “It's fun to meet the grandparents of our riders and people who are coming to get something for their Uncle Joe who is a rider. It's neat because you become even more like an extended family member, which is fun.”
To keep up with Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso events and sales, visit https://www.hdvalpo.com/.
