By DEVONTE DEMBY

NATCHEZ — The Mississippi State H.O.G. Rally roars into town today along with more than 500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and their infatuated owners.

Natchez is host to the rally today through Saturday with most events taking place at the Natchez Convention Center on Canal Street.

Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world. However, its main objective this weekend is to allow rally participants to ride and have a good time, members said.

Jackson resident Keith Grammer has been riding motorcycles all of his life. This rally could not get any better for him.

“It’s freedom,” Grammer said. “Just being able to meet people out here from about 22 different states is amazing.”

Organizer Michael Sumrall said he is hoping everyone experiences a great time.

“The goal of H.O.G. is to just ride and have fun,” he said. “These are like family reunions to us.”

With more than 500 registered riders for the weekend, Sumrall thinks he and his friends can take over the Miss-Lou.

“We’re going to be everywhere,” he said.

Ken Knutson, a rider from Milwaukee, traveled from his home state to be here in Natchez for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a part of the country that is new to me,” Knutson said. “That’s what a lot of folks who come out to these H.O.G. events talk about.”

He said H.O.G. Rally participants often talk with one another about their travels.

“They went to a town they would not have originally gone to and met people they would not have originally met,” Knutson said.

Knutson rode his 2015 Harley-Davison Road Glide CVO to Natchez and said he has enjoyed his time here thus far.

“It’s been very nice,” he said. “I met a lot of friendly people.”

A concert will be from 8 to 10 p.m. today on Broadway Street near the Grand Hotel.

A bike show is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the convention center followed by a parade featuring all the riders at 5 p.m. Both events are open to the public.

The parade route begins in downtown Natchez, heads across the bridge into Vidalia and then will loop 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.

The closing ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, which will be followed by more live entertainment.

Natchez also hosted the H.O.G. rally in 2006, 2007 and 2010.