LITTLE ORLEANS — More than 7,000 people are expected to attend the sixth annual East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that officially begins today at Apple Mountain off Exit 68 of Interstate 68, according to event promoter Ken Appel.

“We’re growing every year. We keep a trouble-free event. People love it here and people all across the country are discovering Little Orleans,” said Appel at the 72-acre rally site located next to the Little Orleans campground.

Appel said planning and promoting the event is a yearlong activity that has paid off. “I’ve been a rider and a motorcycle event promoter for 30 years. This just worked out,” he said.

The event features food and merchandise vendors, two stages with performing bands, contests and other activities, including a Motorcycle Demolition Derby, according to the event Web site, www.eastcoaststurgis.com.

Appel said the event causes motels and businesses in the region to thrive during the festival, which continues through Sunday.

At nearby Belle Grove Grocery, owner and operator Robin Jay said the event “doubles or triples” his normal business.

“This event is the biggest one of the year for us. It used to be hunting season but that’s trailed off. It’s bigger than any holiday weekend,” said Jay, who has operated his family business at 12937 Orleans Road since 1991.

About a dozen vendors, selling anything from helmets to shirts to sunglasses, set up on his lot during the rally. “It used to be one or two when it first started. I had 12 vendors last year and will probably have that many this year,” he said.

Jay said the scenic mountainside attracts festival goers. “They all love it. They like riding their bikes on these back roads,” he said.

Jimmy Price has owned and operated BP Price Quality Fuel at 35206 National Pike since the festival began six years ago.

“This event carries us through the year and makes up for the slow times. It’s bigger than any holiday for us. These are good bikers. They love the country, the camping, the nice clean area and they can’t wait to get back the next year.

“They come to have a good time and spend some money,” said Price. “And that’s good for everybody.”

Allegany County Bureau of Police Chief J. Robert Dick said, “We see this as a positive event for Allegany County. We want it to be a safe and successful event for all those attending, as well as the people that live at Little Orleans.”

Maryland State Police 1st Sgt. David Knepper said troopers will be in the area throughout the weekend. “We’ve prepared for this event for any situation that may happen — but hopefully it won’t, and it will be a law-abiding and safe event.”

Contact Jeffrey Alderton at jlalderton@times-news.com.