STURGIS – The City of Sturgis and Meade County have jointly proclaimed Wednesday, June 10, as Kevin Forrester Day, setting aside the day to celebrate the life, leadership and community spirit of the former Sturgis mayor.

The city, county, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Sturgis Foundation and community partners will honor Forrester during a special Kevin Forrester Day celebration Wednesday at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.

The tribute will take place prior to the first Music on Main event of the season, with a special ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. Organizers encourage community members to arrive early, as the program will conclude before the K4 mountain bike race departs at 6 p.m.

Forrester, who passed away in April following a battle with pancreatic cancer, was known throughout the community for his enthusiasm for recreation, mountain biking, public service and his unwavering commitment to Sturgis. The event will celebrate those passions while recognizing the lasting impact he made on the community as mayor, volunteer and advocate for outdoor recreation.

The program will include the reading of the Kevin Forrester Day proclamation by Mayor Rod Bradley and Meade County Commission Chairman Gary Deering, remarks from community leaders, and introduction of the honorary bike race marshals.

In addition to the ceremony, attendees can expect several visual tributes, including commemorative banners, a slideshow featuring photos and memories of Forrester displayed on the Harley-Davidson Rally Point video screens, and a display of his bicycles which family and friends will ride in the race that evening.

"Kevin dedicated countless hours to making Sturgis a better place," said City Administrator Aaron Jordan. "This event is an opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate his life, and recognize the many ways he helped shape the community we enjoy today."

Music on Main will continue immediately following the ceremony with live music by The Rathco, vendors, food and the evening's K4 race activities. Organizers note that if inclement weather forces cancellation, the Kevin Forrester Day celebration will be rescheduled for June 17 rather than moved indoors.