By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

LACONIA - Hospitality and lodging operators in the Lakes Region express worry that economic pressures combined with fewer Canadian travelers linked to Trump Administration comments may affect summer tourism this year with Laconia Motorcycle Week serving as an early signal for what lies ahead.

Known as the oldest motorcycle gathering in the world the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week starts Saturday and features events across New Hampshire for nine days that anyone can enjoy whether they arrive by bike or not. Numerous activities are scheduled with many centered around Weirs Beach in Laconia.

Grace McNamara executive director for community engagement at the Lakes Region Chamber noted Friday that hospitality businesses hold definite concern about the summer season even as people remain hopeful.

She added that a Bike Week kickoff gathering on Thursday drew excited crowds yet Ragi Patel general manager of the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn in downtown Laconia reported strong weekend bookings but slower weekday reservations unlike the pattern seen last year.

I have not seen a single person with a Canadian drivers license in weeks she said.

Patel noted the drop in Canadian visitors estimated at 30 percent last year is not the only factor as higher gas prices one dollar more per gallon than last year rising food costs and reduced entertainment spending due to inflation are also affecting plans.

Brooke Nadeau owner of the 1848 Inn on Route 3 in Weirs Beach said she hopes for full occupancy next Monday and Tuesday but in her four years of ownership repeat Canadian guests continue to arrive and last minute walk ins still occur.

We are looking okay Nadeau said but I would love to have Monday and Tuesday full.

Charlie St. Clair a longtime Bike Week promoter told U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen D-NH that little can be done about conditions created by the Republican Trump Administration which has suggested Canada become the 51st state and initiated actions involving Iran that contributed to higher fuel and overall costs.

He said he does not anticipate a significant rise in Canadian visitors this year though he has promoted the event north of the border and placed a welcome message in the Laconia Rally News.

The rally offers many attractions for short stays or day visits no matter the mode of arrival. While cars face restrictions on Lakeside Avenue parking remains available for a fee.

Highlights include a free fireworks show over Weirs Beach on Wednesday evening a special MV Mount Washington cruise on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. train service to the vendor lined Lakeside Avenue for 30 dollars and the return of the Gunstock Hill Climb on Wednesday allowing non riders to participate fully.

Tattoo and t shirt contests biker build offs bike swaps shows and live music at area bars and biergartens all benefit from the visitor influx.

Officials held a kickoff event on Thursday where Laconia Police Chief Michael J. Canfield urged safety and responsible drinking noting that alcohol related fatalities occur each year.

The Laconia Police Department will be working hard to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors throughout the week Canfield wrote in the Laconia Rally News. Other local departments and State Police are also assisting.

The rally ranks among the nations three largest alongside Daytona and Sturgis with the three events together drawing an estimated one million riders annually.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte who plans to attend a 103rd celebration on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the NASWA resort described Bike Week as iconic for the state.

Please ride safely enjoy the festivities and know we are honored to welcome motorcyclists and enthusiasts Ayotte wrote in the Rally News.

In an online video promoting the event expected to draw about 300000 visitors over nine days Jennifer Anderson said the action packed week will allow local charities to raise funds and visitors to join organized rides and traditional events.

Lets take the state by storm she said.

Fundraiser beneficiaries include local service clubs the Laconia Fire Department animal shelters and veterans groups.

Organizers and businesses view the rally as an unofficial start to summer tourism and the weather outlook remains fairly promising with temperatures slightly cooler than Friday.

Organized rides include the Ride to the Sky to the summit of Mount Washington the Northeast highest peak a 170 mile covered bridge tour covering six spans mostly in the White Mountains and the Mae West Memorial Ride for Pets benefiting local animal shelters ending with a celebration at the Notch Biergarten at Beans and Greens farm in Gilford on Monday afternoon.

The week opens with the Peter Makris Memorial ride on Saturday which has raised nearly 700000 dollars over 19 years for various charities including equipment for the Laconia Fire Department.

Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Weirs with a rain date of Thursday.

Motorcycle races are also planned at the Loudon track on both weekends.