The Recession Supposedly Ended in 2009 – Who Knew?

The powers that be (The National Bureau of Economic Research) have declared the recession over – going so far as to say it actually ended in June 2009. I suppose that’s good news to politicians and statisticians but most regular families don’t believe it and have not seen any proof of it.

Statistics by academic economists don’t impress an unemployed person who is struggling to pay his bills and feed his family. Nor do they influence the family who just lost their home to foreclosure.

More than 15 months have passed since June 2009. Consumer confidence is still low, though slightly higher than it was. Home sales have dropped off a cliff compared to 2009 and that year was nothing to brag about. Unemployment is still high and we’re told it may go still higher.

Mortgage rates are near an all-time low but homes aren’t selling because even the employed folks worry about job security.

This recession has been one of the longest and most devastating I can recall. So many people are seriously distressed and demoralized. Most everyone has suffered to one degree or another.

I can only hope the average person will soon see evidence of the recession’s end. That will mean that they might actually get out an want to buy a house.

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Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally in Fayetteville

It’s that time of year again. In just a little more than a week from now, Northwest Arkansas will once again welcome motorcycles from all over the country to the 11th Annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ Rally. The rally runs from Wednesday, September 29 through Saturday night, October 2, 2010.

Many people will rev up their bikes and arrive early. Who can blame them for wanting to be here as long as possible? The Ozarks are beautiful and the weather is near perfect in the fall. Warm days, cool evenings, and hints of fall color in the trees.

There will be thousands of bikes to see with events such as a Poker Run, a Parade of Power, customization competition and Battle of the Bikes competition.

And this year there is so much music and entertainment planned, it has to be spread over several venues. It all starts Wednesday, September 29, at 5:30 and keeps on going.

The BBQ is world class. The smoky aroma of barbequed chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket wafts around Fayetteville beginning Friday morning with public tasting events. The best of the best will be named Saturday afternoon with trophies and cash prizes awarded.

A 2010 Harley-Davidson Rocker C motorcycle will be raffled off.

More than 100 vendors will be on hand with everything from sunglasses to Harleys.

Don’t overlook (perhaps I say “look over”) the Ms. BBB competition.

As if all that isn’t enough, classic cars & trucks, street rods, tuners, and low riders will also be showing off.

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who come each year for the BBB Rally. Fayetteville is only six hours from Dallas and St. Louis, five hours from Memphis and Kansas City, and two hours from Tulsa, Oklahoma and Branson, Missouri.

The rally is good, clean fun. A lot of effort goes into keeping it family friendly and in line with community values.

BBB is self-funded and does not receive any government funding. All proceeds go to local charities. Since the rally started in 2000, more than a half-million dollars has been donated.

For more information, check out the BBBQ website.