After last year’s event got wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Honda Gold Wing’s annual “Wing Ding” is a go next weekend in Springfield.
The city will host an estimated 5,000 motorcycle enthusiasts June 29th through July 3rd.
Springfield last hosted the Wing Ding in 1999, when it drew around 13,500 people.
St. Louis Street between Kimbrough Avenue and the parking garage west of Hammons Tower will close starting at 4 a.m. Monday, June 28th to accommodate food trucks and vendors, reopening by 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3rd.
Here’s more information from a City of Springfield news release regarding rolling street closures and the schedule of events:
Rolling street closures to accommodate a cruise through Springfield will begin at 6 p.m. July 2 and will include Jefferson Avenue and its side streets south of Chestnut Street and Sunset Street east of Jefferson Avenue and its side streets until all of the estimated 300 motorcycles in the cruise turn south into the Macy’s entrance of the Battlefield Mall at approximately 7 p.m.
Wing Ding 42’s headquarters will be at the University Plaza and Expo Center, but several events-within-the-event are scheduled, including:
- A welcome party, 6-9 p.m. June 29 at Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway;
- A luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 at the Route 66 Car Museum, 1634 W. College St.; and
- A cruise with as many as 300 motorcyclists will start at 6 p.m. July 2 at Chestnut Street and Jefferson Avenue and travel to the Battlefield Mall via Jefferson Avenue to Sunset Street east to the Macy’s entrance. It’s estimated the cruise will be finished by or before 7 p.m.
“On behalf of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, we want to thank Springfield citizens and downtown businesses for their cooperation and understanding as we work to stage a fun and safe event for our guests,” said CVB President Tracy Kimberlin. “This group loved Springfield when they visited in 1999 and we know they’ll love being here again.”
Parking
Visit itsalldowntown.com for a map of parking lots and garages in downtown Springfield.