I dont think there are any rallies of any size that are not highly commercialized anymore.
Sturgis is one big economic boost to the local merchants in the Black Hills area. Literally thousands of vendors flood into Sturgis and the surrounding area. Black Hills Harley Davidson alone in Rapid City turns their parking lot into one huge Harley accessory vendor parking lot.
Stone House Saloon up in Belle fourche only operates during the rally and from what I hear they make money hand over foot for a week. Lots of small enterprises like that only open for the rally and make a killing.
The degree of commercialization has grown a lot over the years. Even back in the early seventies when I was still in High School the Rally was a small affair by the todays standards.
Now its big name venues and concerts , packed campgrounds and thousands upon thousands of bikes stretcing from the Southern Black Hills all the way to Belle fourche in the North.
Even Wyoming benefits from the rally.
It is one big humongous party atmosphere though. Sometimes the best time to ride the most popular roads is at daybreak before the crowd wakes up after a night of partying.
The big outdoor biker bar "Full Throttle" is a venue unto itself with concerts and beer and booze a flowing. Its also home to a large assortment of vendors selling everyting from T-shirts to oil paintings. Last year the guy that rides (stunt rider) around the inner circumference of a large tin can worked out of there. Three or four burn out pits for thoe who want that experience as well.
Its a fun time overall but its a watch your butt type of riding experience during peak riding times.
