NATCHEZ — The roar of more than 500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will echo throughout the Miss-Lou next weekend.

Natchez will play host to the Mississippi State H.O.G. Rally Thursday through Saturday at the Natchez Convention Center.

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is the largest factory sponsored motorcycle organization in the world boasting nearly a million members around the world.

The main objective of the group is to ride and have fun with fellow Harley enthusiasts on activities that are non-political and family-oriented, said rally coordinator Michael Sumrall.

“It’s a great opportunity for fellowship with the members of the group, but also offers some family-oriented fun for the public who can come see all the bikes,” Sumrall said. “Really the worst problem is the noise, because there are a few loud bikes.”

Sumrall said the Mississippi H.O.G. rally is one of the largest motorcycle events hosted in the state and is expected to bring riders from 22 states to Natchez.

The area is no stranger to the gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts with Natchez having hosted the event in 2006, 2007 and 2010.

“We always have a great time in Natchez, so we’re glad to be able to come back,” Sumrall said. “There’s just so much to see there in terms of sites and historic things, and there’s really great riding in the area.

“Everyone is really looking forward to being back in Natchez.”

Apart from different events at the convention center for H.O.G. members, several events will also be hosted throughout the weekend for the public.

A concert will be from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday on Broadway Street near the Grand Hotel where Natchez band Rayzer will perform.

On Saturday, a bike show will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the convention center followed by a parade featuring all the riders at 5 p.m.

Sumrall said parade participants would begin in downtown Natchez, go across the bridge into Vidalia and turn back around to return to Natchez. The riders will continue down John R. Junkin Drive going past the Natchez Mall before turning left on Homochitto Street and making their way back to downtown Natchez.

“That’s something we really want the public to take advantage of and come out to see,” Sumrall said. “It’s great for all the riders to see people come out for the parade and want to see all the bikes.”

A closing ceremony will be hosted at 7 p.m. Saturday followed by more live entertainment at 8 p.m. featuring the Memphis band, Rustenhaven.

For more information, visit msstatehogrally.com.