Most of the time, communities in North Central Minnesota are ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
But the Hells Angels aren't exactly guys who inspire warm, fuzzy feelings of hospitality.
Sheriff's departments from Pine, Carlton, and St. Louis Counties and troopers from the MN State Patrol are preparing for an influx of between 600 and 1,500 bikers between July 29 and August 2, as the Hell's Angels gather in Minnesota for their annual world meeting.
KARE 11 has learned that the Angels have reserved all 200 rooms at Black Bear Casino in Carlton, and there are reports the gang has also rented out local campgrounds and other lodging. The meeting will serve as a pit stop on the way to the Annual Sturgis Ride-in, which takes place the first and second weeks of August.
Pine County Chief Deputy Steve Ovick has been doing his homework on the legendary motorcycle gang, and says history shows they are to be considered a 'criminal element', an organization built on drug dealing, mayhem and violence.
"First of all, let's get rid of the misconception that these are a bunch of guys who like motorcycles," said Ovick. "They are not. They are an organized crime gang is what they are."
That is not to say people in North Central Minnesota should be afraid. All departments will be running extra shifts and staffing fully to keep a lid on things, and to be ready to respond if there is trouble.
"Nobody knows what to expect," Ovick emphasized.
(Copyright 2009 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
