STURGIS, S.D. – The council Monday night also approved an outdoor mural agreement with the ABV Agency on behalf of the Coca-Cola Company and Harley Davidson.

The agency is participating in a nationwide public art initiative known as the Paint the Nation mural program in celebration of the 250^th birthday of America.

The program is intended to include one commemorative mural in each state, and Sturgis has been identified as the preferred South Dakota location because of its national association with motorcycle culture, tourism and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The proposed mural would be located at Harley Davidson Rally Point, with a custom-designed mural installed on a temporary wall structure along the rear wall of Rally Point. Existing Harley-Davidson and City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally branding located on or near the wall would be incorporated into the final design.

There was some concern, however, on how it would affect events at Rally Point, including Music on Main, where sponsors get banners along that wall.

Councilor Ruth Kopp was among those with concerns.

Sturgis City Administrator Aaron Jordan says Rally Point was chosen for its central location downtown and he has met with the Sturgis Downtown Foundation and Chamber.

Veronica Grosek with the chamber says they do have some concerns with the mural and how they work with their sponsors for downtown events.

The proposed installation schedule is intended to allow the mural to be completed before the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The mural is scheduled to remain up for one year.

The council approved the agreement on a 7-1 vote with Kopp voting no with the hopes of working on some agreements with ABV Agency concerning other downtown events.