Some vendors say it's right on par, and others say it's slower than usual. 

One local business owner says he's concerned about vendor numbers this year after the group Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. trademarked the word "Sturgis" for use on merchandise.  

One Eyed Jack's owner Ray Gold says, "There'll be less vendors this year than ever before because these people have scared them away because they are demanding them to get a license, which they have no right to do." 

Chairman of SMRI Dean Kinney says that the vast majority of vendors he's spoken to have no problem buying their merchandise from licensed wholesalers.  He also says the proceeds from licensed merchandise go to Sturgis Charities, Inc. to help improve the Sturgis community.

Brendyn Medina