Picture of last year's rally. (courtesy of Lee and Mary McKenzie)
By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher
The organizers of this weekend’s Memorial Day motorcycle rally say there are some people in Marion County who look at the event as being filled with sin.
Those allegations are simply untrue, said Lee McKenzie, who, along with his wife, Mary, put on the bike rally on their land off Hurricane Creek Road in Marion County.
Bikers are some of the nicest and most honest people there are, Lee said, adding, “We’ve never had a fight in 10 years of having our parties. We’ve met a lot of very nice people.”
Lee said some people incorrectly say that a bike rally draws a bad element of thieves and rapists. “We get a lot of negative feedback (from the community),” said Lee.
Although there are some who may disagree with the rally, Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall said his department has never had any problems from the event.
A woman rides an electronic bull at last year's rally. (Photo courtesy of Mary and Lee McKenzie).
A lot of drinking goes on at the rally, and there is a wet T-shirt contest, Lee admitted. Overall it’s just a good time with bike games, bands and socializing, he said. There are rumors that the rally is full of unbridled fornication and that people are “knocking each other in the head,” said Lee, a Marion County native. Lee has considered not doing the rally anymore because of all the rumors, saying he feels attacked.
Those who say negative things about the rally are “snobs,” said Mary, adding, “The bikers have been nothing but nice.” Mary said she wakes up each morning and looks in the mirror and knows where she stands with God. Being a Christian is in your heart and not based on whether you go to church every Sunday, she said.
In fact, Lee and Mary said the Christian Motorcycle Association works the gate at the event and an ordained minister holds a church service with a choir on Sunday morning of the rally. A charity poker run is also held in conjunction with the rally, said Mary.
The bikers are so generous that they will provide people without lodging and food a place to sleep and something to eat, Lee said. If you leave your wallet unsupervised it will be there when you come back, Mary said.
Campers and vehicles pack the rally grounds last year. (Photo courtesy of Mary and lee McKenzie).
The bike rally is also good for the economy, Lee said, giving business to hotels, gas stations and Wal-Mart. He did not say specifically how many attended last year’s rally but said it could have been more than 1,000, and each year more attend. Lee said the rally draws bikers from at least eight states including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois and Texas.
This marks the fifth year for the Memorial Day rally and 10th for the Labor Day rally. Everything started in Angie, La. where a campground was leased for the event but that became too small of an area and it moved to Enon, La. and finally to Marion County.
The rally officially begins on Friday, but campers are already beginning to be set up in the 118-acre field. The site of the rally is well manicured and equipped with camper hookups and a stage for the bands to perform. Ray Stewart of Tylertown was setting up his camper this morning before all the hookups were taken. Stewart attends the rally almost every year and said he likes to cookout and watch the bands play. Stewart, who will attend the rally with his girlfriend, said the event is not wild but “very nice.”
The rally has security and first responders on call in case of emergencies, said Lee.
The cost of admission to the event, which runs Friday through Sunday, is $35 for the entire weekend, and attendees must be at least 21 years old. On Friday night the Nashville band Jason Wesley will perform; Saturday will be the Baton Rouge-based Hippy Smith Band and a Hattiesburg band will perform Sunday.
Lee and Mary have been involved in motorcycles since 1998 when they bought a Harley Davidson. “We always wanted one (a Harley),” said Mary. “It’s the American Dream.” They have traveled the country to places like Yellowstone National Park and the famous Sturgis, S.D. bike rally on their Harley. Lee, an electrician, even custom builds motorcycles and even made one for Sylvester Stallone. “He’s always up to the challenge,” said Mary, a registered nurse.
Can,t wait until friday, last year was the first year I attended and the most fun I have had in years.
I am so surprised that this goes on in Maion County. We all know what goes on. They litterly have sex at any time and place. Even on their bikes. The girls have a wrestling contest and they always lose their bathing suits. Pull up their web-site and see for your self
it seems to me that if you really knew what goes on @ these rallies you would be there also. you say check out the web-sites. you sound like you want to be @ these places, but are scared that someone you know will see you there.
Why does everybody have to be judges. Read your bibles… we only have one judge. How many churches have been in the news?? People are scared of us… come to a biker event you will change you mind. Stop at a store and pick up a magazine you will see all the good BIKERS do. Yes we like to party…. We Bikers are ourselves we dont have to hide and worry about what people are going to say about us we dont have a dress code and we will be damed if someone messes with our children. You dont hear that on the news so find out about your family( the churches) before you talk about my family ( the bikers). have a great day
There is NO harm in the rally! I live on Hurricane Creek RD! It doesn’t bother us at all! If you have never been to the rally, you shouldn’t talk about it! Lee & Mary are great people!
Arter hearing unbelievable rumors about what was going on there, I checked out their website. According to their pictures, there is much more than a wet t-shirt contest going on. I understand that it is on private land, so there may not be much that can be done about it, but don’t lie about what you are doing.
What website are you referring to?
People shouldn’t be so quick to judge. I have never been to the bike rally, but it looks fun. I hope the rally is successful, fun, and safe for all who attend.
Im not a biker but I know bikers do a lot for charity and for people in need.Some of these elitist need to get off their high horse.If you live in a glass house dont throw rocks.as long as they are not hurting anyone then that comes under the heading of their own business.
Only in Mississippi would this be criticized. How crazy. I so go biker rally its not my thing but i support you, forget what they say because they have just as many problems in their life as everyone else they just want to hide them.
Not knockn the rallys- But, the comment that was made about u don’t have to go to church every sunday if ur heart is right with the Lord… U shud want to go to church and fellowship with christian friends IF ur heart is right with the Lord we are supposed to go to church- What if the Lord was to say when u stand b4 him at the Judgement Seat, Well– u say ur heart was right but u lived like hell monday thru fri. ( Wet T-shirt contests) that’s not rite, wud u do that in front of the Lord if he was standing there?? I’m sorry but that wud never take place at any Christians house that I know- Ur body is the Lords Temple, Not something to be used and abused like that… So, maybe I am knockin the rallies!!?? It seems like u may b speaking out of both sides of ur mouth- don’t mention the Lord if u do UNGODLY things at these rallies…
Don’t judge others. That’s what God said. You cannot see what is in others hearts. We all have sin, but we should do what God has told us to do, not what others think!!!!!
Ok so i am not a christian because i choose not to go to the so called lords house on sunday and congregate with a bunch of hypocrites! Come on now anybody can build a building and call it a church and anybody can say they are good people but do you have skeletons in your closet? Um probably so. So let them have fun and you keep going to church and having what you call fun!
Workn Girl:
Just a little FYI for you. A person can NOT claim to be a Christian just because they are present and accounted for every single time the church doors swing open either! Personally, I do NOT believe a person can be considered a “good Christian” due to regular church attendance.
Many people “attend” church every single time the doors swing open but they only do so to keep face in the community.
I believe “those” Christians are usually referred to as hypocrites if I am not mistaken!
My God is all knowing and there is NOTHING that HE does NOT KNOW even if those things are in someone’s heart!
you dont have to go to church to love god church is where you are in the bible it it dont say anything about where to love him but in your heart your body is the temple
Let’s see…of course the organizers are going to defend the rally. $35 per person x 1000 not a bad pay day for two weekends a year.
Stimulates the economy, I wonder if any of that money is claimed on taxes? CASH money???
I agree there are some bikers that do things for charity, then there are those that use their deeds towards charities to hide or make it look as if they are not involved in criminal activity.
Bandidos, LA Riders, Pisterleros, Dixie Renegades… Need I say more? A nationaly know “1 percenter” outlaw motorcycle gang with ties to organized crime and a number of support clubs. Every year these guys are at the Sandy Hook rally, with a “compound” roped off and secured by members to prevent non members from entering.
I agree that a number of legitamate good ole boys attent, however this event also attracts a number of known felons.
I suggest some of you whop defend the event google some of the pic’s from past events!
THE 1000 X 5 maybe the truer number. And what about the beer sales with NO license all cash momey in the 6 figure range, pluse all the vinders.
Well ,just saying if you haven’t been to rally ,but watch the online video .it’s terrible the way those people act!! going half naked and doing other things that a christian wouldn’t think about doing.and Mary said you don’t have to be a christian to go to church every Sunday,well a christian is not going to put themselves in a place like this !!Heard to much about what goes on down there . and the law said they never have problems with rally ,well ,they are probably right there in middle of all the going on. I’m just glad I don’t live close to Lee And Mary!!
Don’t know anything about the rally as I have never been, but I do know that Jesus was repeatedly criticized by elitist of his day for the company he kept and HIS response was they needed HIM more than the Elitist Hypocrites(Pharisees, etc.). Sounds to me the rally may be the place where open hearted Christians are needed most at that time. Jesus repeatedly recognized that innocence (kids) and empty lost cups (the repentant sinner) were easier to reach and fill than the sour sealed goblets on the top shelf. Empty your cups and open your hearts and doors to receive HIM and HIS.
….wonder how that would go over….to have a Christian show up out there and try to witness to these folks????? probably not to great.BUT, we should love one another and not be judgemental….ON THE OTHER HAND… let me assure you all that everyone that goes to Church EVERY TIME THE DOOR OPENS IS NOT HYPOCRITES!!!!! That is the way that I choose to live my life…..I enjoy being in Gods house and love and need my Church family. I have that right as the bikers have their rights……have fun and stay safe!!
.
These folks appear to be having their version of fun. They are bringing business to Columbia. So, as long as they are not breaking any laws, then why would anyone have a problem with it?
However, it is not exactly truthful to call this good clean fun. I went to the bike rally in Sandy Hook the first year….since I live near it.
There was a 300lb woman in a leather thong and barely there top selling sunglasses. There was actually a lot of nudity and rated R activity. I have not been to one since. So, I can not attest to what it is now, but from my past experience, it is not just good clean fun;)
A an image of a 300lb woman in a thong is an image that I could have lived my entire life without! Now, the mental image has been seared to my brain…..thanks bikerthong :0
Love the bike rally, really good bands and good people. Enjoy all the vendor booths. Will be there all week.
WHY IS IT THAT WHEN EVER SOME ONE WANTS TO GET TOGETHER AS IN THIS CASE,ALL SOME PEOPLE WANT TO DO IS CUT THEM DOWN. THIS MAN AND WOMAN ARE ON THEIR OWN LAND HAVING THIS EVENT AND AT LEAST NOT ON THE ROAD,YET SOME PEOPLE WANT TO GET INVOLVED AS TO HOW BAD IT IS AND NOT RIGHT. I WENT TO THE LAST RALLY LAST YEAR AND HAD A GOOD TIME AND EVERY THING WAS GOOD. IT’S NOT LIKE ALL THESE PEOPLE THINK. BUT YOU LET SOME PEOPLE TRY TO GET TOGETHER AND HAVE A GOOD TIME AND ITS ALL BAD.SOME TIME PEOPLE NEED TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS. ITS KIND OF LIKE,ALL UP IN THE KOOL-AID AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW THE FLAVOR. THANKS
I don’t attend this but my thoughts are, there are alot of groceries and things to be bought by people who attend this event. You can’t bring it all on a motorcycle! We should welcome these people to our community! I personally try to be friendly when I see these biker in the stores. Columbia can be a friendly town! By the way does anyone know if there is a web site for this event?
Its ashamed that individuals have to put on their own events to bring in people and money into the county. Besides the bluegrass fesival this is the only major event held in Marion county. We have a huge water park pavillian that would be a great place to have events like the Atwood festival and the dairy festival in Tylertown to bring money into the county. But a lot of marion county people just want to talk down anything that anybody else does.
What people do on there private land is their business, unless breaking the law. Other than that it is no one’s business. No one is forcing you to attend. Leave them alone.
Well I am from marion county and go to the rally. You hear a few people talking bad about it but if you notice they are usually the ones riding up and down the roads, going to neighboring houses sitting in there yards looking to see what they can. If you don’t agree with it don’t come and ride around the outskirts of the rally trying to see what you can see. Just buy a ticket and come on in. You talk about the 300 lb woman in a thong, I take it you have never been to the beach or madis gras. I know people that condemn the rally but go to bourbon street to the mardis gras every year where you see a lot worse. I know a couple of people that knock the rally but have been running around on there wives for years but I guess thats OK. Get real
To biker thong
That was my 300lb wife you are talking about, your own butt is probably big as a wash tub. But big women need loving and respect too. And another thing its OK to watch a full nudity and vulgar talk on HBO, Showtime and the movie channel but you want to complain about a wet T shirt contest. Come on down and put on a thong and lets see what you look like.
Whats the web site address i’d like to see how sinful this thing is so I can tell people not to go, although I’ll have to check this site out daily. ha
It is just flippin ridiculous how people in Columbia can’t wait to judge someone. They are probably the very ones sittin in Church on Sunday morning!!!! The rally whether it be good or bad concerns no one except for the people who choose to attend it. And as far as the Law enforcement of Columbia are concerned – they are individuals just like you and I and they have a right to attend anything they want too. I’m just sayin!!!!!
It’s not just Columbia and it’s not just biker gatherings; somebody is always going to complain about things they aren’t interested in or included. I’m certain there are some people around here who have some self-righteous reason to complain about the bluegrass festival as well.
It all boils down to one important and overlooked fact: You can’t enforce morality or govern another person’s thoughts!
Wake up Marion County. Though this is not my cup of tea, I am amazed at the responses! I went with friends a couple of years ago. I had a great time! Did I have sex with anyone? Did I drink? Did I do anything shameful? NO! Those same friends are coming back up here and bringing 4 couples with them and parking their campers at my home. I welcome them here and hope everyone in Marion County will too! “Let thee without sin cast the first stone”. I’m just sayin…..
This event reminds me of the story in the Bible, about Sodom & Gomorrah. These people go to this rally and call it “fun”. They see nothing wrong with the drinking and the fornicating and all manner of other evil. Fun…thats what they were having in Sodom & Gomorrah. God rained down fire and it was destroyed. People are blinded to sin (fun). They think if it doesn’t hurt anyone else that its ok. This is scary thinking. Even the ones that just go to ’see’. Any one that knows even a little bit about God, should not want to partake of this kind of event even for ‘fun’. I don’t want the spirit of Sodom & Gomorrah in my county. Sorry, I won’t be attending.
Ummmm….it is their business, and I do not care what they do, my problem is in the way they went well out of the way to rationalize and attempt to link this biker rally with Christianity. The Ku Klux Klan did the same thing and I do not appreciate someone watering down Christian faith in order to fit with whatever “fun” want to do……I’m not going, however, I guess it is a good thing Walmart will make money, I’m sure they need it.
I have benn in the ABATE chapter of louisiana for many years I started when I was about 11 years old with my mom and it was a great experence I came to your bike rally last year and it was great.
What people dont understand they try to hate on it, thanks alot for the fun last year cant wait till Friday.
Why can’t they just tell the truth…..I’ve seen the pictures and talked to people who have been to it and there’s more to it than what they stated in the article. Be honest if you’re that proud of it.
Good clean fun – Same thing they said at Sodom and Gomorrah!
For What Its Worth:
This is exactly what I was trying to say!!! If u are a Christian and u just “GO TO SEE” you destroy your witness just by being present….But, people want to call us hypocrites- that’s not it at all! And…
2cents..
U say u don’t go to church and ur not a christian bc of hypocrites, u shudnt be worring about other people bc in the end when u die (which we all will one day!) U will be the one answering for all u did… Not everyone else, and I personally want to just make sure my life and all I do is what I know is right… Sure, I sin but NOT on purpose!! I don’t try to do anything that I know is wrong.. Bc in the end u will have to answer for all of it! U WILL,- NOT ANYBODY ELSE…. And believe me I enjoy my church and my friends from church, I have friends outside of church…. Don’t get me wrong! I just do what I know is right and try not to do what I know is rong.. And putting urself in a situation where things are going on that are definatly NOT christian ways — I wud Feel extremely uncomfortable!!!!!
Do you go to a church that has signed a contract a non-Christian element? Most modern churches have signed up to be tax exempt. Not to be able to spread the word of Jesus Christ, they signed up so they could have more money. Google 501c3 churches. Should a Christian donate to a church that lets the government set rules for their church?
I dread this time of year as a longtime resident of hurricane creek road. The traffic on our little country road is insane all hours of the night starting a week before the rally. I hear the bands playing late into the night. I am not benefitting from this event and am glad to see those campers leave.
I sympathize with the people who live out that way and have to put up with the increased traffic and noise. I suppose it’s one of the things we all have to put up with as a cost of living in a free country and enjoying freedom of speech.
If there are any illegal actions taking place there it’s not too comforting to realize our sheriff’s department has committed themselves to “Click it or ticket” for the weekend instead of walking around the site with drug-sniffing dogs or arresting people who are in open violation of the law.
Perhaps our law enforcement officers should take a second look at their priorities?
At one time I feel like I was just like most of you: MISINFORMED about BIKERS!!!!! I didnt understand their ways until about three years ago when motorcycles became apart of my life. Unless you ride you will NEVER understand!!!!!!!!
For everyone saying look at the web site or the online videos if you aren’t so interested in everything going on at the biker rallys why the heck are you on the durn website!? Stop putting down on something you have no clue about! Most of you sound like the BIGGEST hypocrites! Lots of you are talking about being in church on Sundays, I’m gonna give you something to think about, when you sit on the pew THIS Sunday look at the person sitting next to you because they were most likely there! I know of SEVERAL church goers that go EVERY year! Just keep that in mind THIS Sunday! You may point your finger at me but you have FOUR more pointing back! Our Heavenly Father is the ONLY one to Judge Anybody! KEEP THAT IN MIND!!
Why dont you people who stand to condemn Lee & Mary for having a private party look at the jail docket and see how many people that has the same last name as you or oops maybe first names too……. lol
http://www.memorialdaybikerparty.com or http://www.labordaybikerparty.com Good Fun! Don’t look go to the website unless your wife aint around! Lot’s of nudity and not as calm as Lee and Mary say!
http://www.usabikerparties.com/2009/laborday/index.html
Enough Said.
All I can say is if you dont like it dont buy a armband and go in.Stop driving buy and trying to see whats inside.
I wonder what all these people would do if God came back (as it tell us in the bible that he is coming and no one know when or what time) while they were all at this rally? Could they stand before
God and hear him say well done my good a faithfull servant? Just as in Bible time at Sodom & Gomorrah They were destoryed! Not judging these people ,but you will have to stand before your God and be judged!
Seems everyone is hung up about the concepts of being a Christian and judging. God’s people need not judge the actions of others, the scriptures do it for them. For me, the very heart of the biker movement at it’s core is a spirit of rebellion….and against what? Everything it seems. Let them do what they want, it is none of my business as long as they bring money, right? That makes it ok.
Ok, tell me this mister or miss christian will you stand in my stead durning judgement? NO you will not as I will not stand in yours. He (Jesus) also said Judge not and ye shall not be Judged. At least I will know when I am Judged I will be Judged on what I did, not what you have done, so Judge me if you will and well I guess you will have the same Judgement as me. Oh and by the way WHO WAS MARY MAGDALYN?
After reviewing the play (website), the ruling on the field stands! so what if they walk around in the nude… Adam and Eve did it until they ate of the forbidden fruit. The majority of the breasts that I did see on the website looked as if they belonged on NatGeo anyway. In many cultures, nudity is socially acceptable. These people who criticize the event should just drink some prune juice and let the ish go.
Eveybody come on down, band from nashville playing tonight, about 300 campers here already. Vendors everywhere.
All I have to say is I’m a VERY proud daughter of 2 Biker Parents that attend this Rally Every YEAR, my parents are great people. They go to the rally to see/mingle with friends, do they do anything Bad up there..NO! Every1 that attends this Rally isn’t a Bad Person so to the ones that call theirselves Christians on here are the ones that are also throwing the Stones & talking down on every1 & what’s even funnier is I bet someone in your Family isn’t the most perfect person either. Every1’s QUICK to Judge but there will always be a bad person in some1’s family! NO1’s PERFECT…& only God can Judge. Have a nice Day ppl & remember to ask God to forgive all you Judgemental ppl out there…Just saying
))
The fact that you all are trying so hard to link this with Christianity, and are so quick to lash out at people just because they are Christians; is reason enough to make me not want anything to do with your rally!!! I am a Christian and proud of that and if you don’t like me because of that then you are certainly not in any position to criticize any one for being judgemental….just saying…
Although these folks have the right to have their event and have it any wat they choose, to place it in the category of a “Christian” event is absurd. A Christian event connotes that the event would be family friendly-which this event is not. As for leaving your wallet unsupervised, tell that to my friend who called me to bring him gas for his mototcycle on his way home. Seems that someone at this Christian event took gas from his motorcycle leaving him without enoough to get home.
I went to the party and had a great time, did not drink, did not see anyone having sex or doing drugs. Just good friendly people from all over the south having a good time. Its amazing to have thousands of people and bikers together and not have any trouble, when there is always trouble at the bars in columbia. But nobody complains about them.
Lots of comments here to read. Everybody has that right. The truth is people are just people whether in church or at a party. I believe in churches and I know that the folks in church are sinful. They drink, have affairs, do drugs, promote sinful things. If you attend a 501c3 church you attend a church that has made a contract with the govt. so they don’t have to pay taxes. If you work at a business or trade with a business that sells alcohol, thongs, condoms, or whatever else you consider sinful, then you support those things by working there or buying from that place. I’m a Christian and I know men and women sin – with or without going to church.
ok people how many of you watch tv or go to new orleans or better yet go to a bar…if you go there or watch tv than you seen what i see at the biker party…but you know i never seen anyone get killed or hurt or overdose at the biker party as far as women and men with no clothes on hell i see that on reg.tv and as far as sex i see that too…as far as selling beer they do not sell beer its by donataion only so you do not know what the hell you talking about again… so all you that wont to judge than you need to turn off your damn tv we dont wont you to see anythang that might offend you…. i will be there again in sept for the labor day party …..
how many of you listen to secular music? or go to the theater to watch a movie? if you answered yes to either question shut your mouth about Christians putting themselves in a bad place with bad things happening around them.. there’s not a song or movie out there that isn’t about or contains sex, cursing, violence, drinking, or drugs and i bet every one making a comment on this story listens to country, pop, rap, or rock… on top of that, almost every movie worth seeing these days is PG-13… wanna know why it has that rating?? see above… those of you that assume bikers are trouble making trash are just stereotyping.. which is why bikers might think you are a hypocritical Christians… so put that in your juice box and suck it children
First, and foremost, I am a Christian, and I am also a motorcycle enthusiast. I’ve attended this rally for the last several years. We have about 35 people in our group from Zachary, La who look forward to several days of bike shows, music, biker church, bike games, as well as fellowship with other bikers. We love to ride the roads in your beautiful community, and we enjoy your restaurants and amenities. My husband is US Navy retired (25 years)and I am a retired Realtor. we’d like to thank all of Marion County for your southern hospitality – we love that everyone we meet is so friendly. Be careful how you treat strangers, for you may be entertaining angels unaware
Give me a break !! These rally’s are harmless. Bikers are the kindest people you will ever meet don’t let there looks fool you. As for what goes on at Sandy Hook if you have a problem with it then DON’T GO !!! I have been attending this Rally twice a year for the past 4 years and have yet to see one fight. It all ADULTS having a good time..
well i read all the replies and this is another reason and prime example that america is in the shape it is today (screwed up). why cant pepole just let each other live their own lives. if you dont like the rally then its simple”DONT GO” AND DONT JUDGE OTHER PEOPLE FOR WHAT THEY LIKE. live and let live thats the way i feel.i sure everyone of us could find something wrong with everyone else. so “JUDGE NOT AND YE SHALL NOT BE JUDGED”