The Wharf Rat Rally, an annual gathering on the Digby Waterfront over Labour Day Weekend, has been cancelled for 2021.

An event of this size takes nearly a year to plan and organize, and the third wave brought those preparations to a halt. While the provincial plans for reopening announced on Friday, May 28 bode well for Nova Scotia, the timeline outlined does not allow enough time for organizers to launch a full-scale motorcycle rally.

“Instead, the Rally plans to engage fans of the event with an online photo contest, geocaching maps, and organizing Share the Wind rides in the local area,” says Board Chair Rickey Stewart. 

Updates will be posted at www.wharfratrally.com, as well as the event’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wharfratrally. 

The Wharf Rat Rally has been one of the region’s largest economic drivers for over 15 years, and has always been focused on being a safe and friendly event. “Cancelling the 2021 Rally wasn’t an easy decision. We were hopeful for a different outcome, but the wellbeing of our community, volunteers and attendees must come first,” says Stewart.

“The decision to cancel the Rally demonstrates that the organizers are not only concerned about the health of the motorcycle community but the community at large,” says Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland. “Although the town recognizes the economic loss of this decision, the health and safety of our residents come first. We look forward to opening our doors again to our motorcycle friends in 2022.”

“We’re looking forward to an incredible year for the Rally in 2022,” says Board Vice-Chair Peter James. “We have a fantastic group of attendees and volunteers who return each year, and we can’t wait to be back and celebrating our biking community together once again.”

The Wharf Rat Rally Board of Directors would like to thank the Town of Digby, Municipality of Digby, Province of Nova Scotia, along with the sponsors, volunteers and public for their ongoing support and dedication to this event. 

See you in ’22!

Stay tuned to our website and social media accounts for details.