[Rockford, IL --- In 1898, nine- year-old Joe Kegel left primary school with the obligation of supporting his family after the passing of his father. A decade of ambition later, he became owner of a cycle store. When approached by Harley-Davidson a couple of short years later, Joe Kegel agreed to become a dealer on March 30, 1912. That is when the legacy began.
Throughout 2012, we honor the vision of Joe Kegel and celebrate our 100th anniversary as the world’s oldest family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership.
The first planned event will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Kegel Harley-Davidson. This celebration will commemorate our anniversary date of 100 years in business. Festivies begin at 9:00am and continue through 4:00pm. Live music, refreshments and memorabilia will be on-hand for riders to enjoy.
Kegel’s Centennial Celebration and Country Throwdown Concert will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012. The annual Great American Biker Jam, held outside at the dealership (7125 Harrison Avenue Rockford, IL) from 10:00am through 5:00pm is known to draw upwards of 2000 people on a gorgeous day and has raised over $50,000, to date, for local non-profit Goldie Floberg Center. The day’s activities will start the rumble of motorcycles headed off on a charity ride and continues with the sounds of great local bands and the enticing aromas of delicious foods. Vendors of all kinds will be on hand that day for guests to eat and shop for merchandise. Bike shows, competitions and field event games keep the party going until 5:00pm. At 5:30pm, Harley owners are encouraged to join us on a dealer-led ride parading to Davis Park in downtown Rockford, site of the Country Throwdown Concert, headlined by recording artists Gary Allen, Josh Thompson, Eric Paslay, and Sunny Sweeney.
Commemmorating our 100th anniversary as the world’s oldest family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership, celebrate with us throughout 2012.
