CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Maine’s western mountains will rumble with the sound of hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycles July 22 to 24, as Harley owners from around the state gather at Sugarloaf for the 15th Annual Maine State H.O.G. Rally.

Harley Owners’ Group members gather every year at various locations throughout the state to celebrate the iconic motorcycle brand and enjoy events, entertainment and rides with friends.

The theme of this year’s rally is “Hogstock,” which will see attendees relive the 1960s and the “summer of love” with ’60s inspired events and entertainment. As many as 900 Harley owners and enthusiast are expected to attend this year’s rally.

The rally features a full lineup of events spanning three days, and begins with a police escorted ride from L-A Harley-Davidson in Lewiston to Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley on Thursday. The ride will depart from Lewiston at noon and is expected to arrive in Carrabassett Valley around 2 p.m. The weekend’s events will include a “Wall of Ink” Tattoo Contest, opening and closing ceremonies, a “Hogstock” Block Party, jam sessions, skill games and contests, a bike show, live entertainment, and self-guided rides throughout the western mountains.

The rally will conclude with a fireworks show at Sugarloaf, starting at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The fireworks show will be open to the general public as well as festival attendees.

“The Maine State Rally is looking forward to hosting ‘Hogstock’ this year. There are some surprises in store for rally participants that are sure to make this a rally to remember,” Rally Coordinator Missy Rancourt said. “We selected Sugarloaf again this year because of the positive experiences we had at our last two rallies here. Thanks to the staff, scenic riding, and the overall value to the participants, we’re confident this year will again exceed expectations.”

This will be the third time the H.O.G. Rally has been held at Sugarloaf. The resort also hosted the rallies in 2002 and 2006.

“It’s very exciting for us to have the H.O.G. Rally back at Sugarloaf again,” said Nancy Hanson, Sugarloaf’s conference sales manager. “They’re a fun group to work with and it’s a huge benefit to the entire region when a group of this size comes to the area. They go on rides through the community, patronize local businesses and provide a nice boost to the local economy.”

For more information on the 2010 Maine State H.O.G. Rally including a complete schedule of weekend events, visit http://mestatehogrally.com. For more information on Sugarloaf, visit http://www.sugarloaf.com.