Many Harley riders from out-of-state are in love with this city

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Hundreds of people came from all over the world to celebrate the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary in Milwaukee. On Sunday, September 1st, those celebrations started winding down.

From Day One of the Harley 110th, Milwaukee has opened its arms to Harley riders though welcome signs, parties, and events.

“Just rolling into town and seeing people on the freeways with welcome signs, with their families waving you down, it’s like pure utopia,” said Rania Madanat.

Rania Madanat road in from Philadelphia, ready to celebrate, but not quite expecting all Milwaukee had to offer.

“There`s nothing like it,” said Madanat.

The distant visitors aren`t the only ones noticing the way the city has laid out the welcome mat. The city’s lasting welcome has impressed even those who live nearby.

“Makes you feel good, makes you feel proud, you know being the home of Harley, and puts us on the map a little bit. You feel a little sense of pride,” said Trent Norrell, from Janesville.

Businesses on Brady Street made an extra effort to make that welcoming feeling last until the last possible minute with a Sunday brunch.

“I hope people think of Milwaukee in a very positive way,” said Daniel Dufec, the general manager of the Hi Hat Lounge on Brady Street, “I talked to a couple riders who say they got o these things in Florida, South Dakota, all those places, and they said they can`t believe how nice everyone here is in Milwaukee.”

One thing`s for sure, the city has definitely made an impression on many.

“I feel like I`m at home. So it`s a cool experience,” said Madanat.