J&P Cycles moving open house, rally

What started out 36 years ago as a small customer appreciation day hosted by J&P Cycles that attracted 200 to 300 people has outgrown the company's corporate campus just outside of Anamosa.

The 36th annual J&P Cycles Open House Rally, scheduled for June 27-28, will be held at the Jones County Fairgrounds in Monticello. More than 35,000 visitors attended last year's two-day event, including people from Canada, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, and West Virginia.

A concert was added to the event last year, and J&P Cycles General Manager Zach Parham said the move to the Jones County Fairgrounds will provide a built-in stage, spacious grounds and indoor space for vendors to exhibit their products.

The fairgrounds is accustomed to hosting large events, with the annual Jones County Fair being one of the largest county fairs in the state.

'Space has been an issue for us the last few years,” said Parham, son of J&P Cycles co-founders John and Jill Parham.

A free concert on Sunday, June 28, will feature the rock band Great White. The lineup for Saturday's live music will be announced at a later date.

In addition to concerts, visitors will see Cowboy Kenny's Steel Rodeo, a freestyle motorcycle exhibition that features high-in-the air acrobatic and daredevil style jumps as well as other stunt riding. The event also will have entertainment specifically geared for children.

More than 100 motorcycle manufacturers will be on site displaying motorcycle parts, gear, and apparel.

J&P Cycles is the largest retailer of aftermarket parts, accessories and apparel for Harley-Davidson and V-Twin Cruiser motorcycles. The expansion of the annual open house and rally mirrors the rapid growth of J&P Cycles, which started in a one-room shop outside of Anamosa with no running water or indoor plumbing.