A motorcycle event in Central Florida may be one of the rare ongoing successes in the two-wheeled world.

While the struggling economy has meant smaller crowds and fewer vendors for most rallies the sixth annual Run to the Heartland looks to another successful year this weekend.

Attracting crowds of over 55,000 people last year, organizers expecting at least that many to come to Downtown Sebring for the three day event taking place this weekend.

"We had a great turnout last year, and since the event is free, we are looking at the same numbers this year," Director of Marketing for the event Lora Todd said.

Hosting more than one hundred vendors, the sixth annual Run to the Heartland sold its last space a month ago a moment which even took organizers by surprise.

One of the reasons for the events popularity is the draw of overnight visitors from non-riders and their families as well as the usual motorcycle crowd.

With a theme of "Salute to Law Enforcement" the event will include the honor guard from the Highlands County Sheriff Department as well as a bike show, a motorcycle clothing fashion show, demonstrations, motorcycle dealers, bike builders and a popular "Frisco's Famous Poker Run" put on by American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, (ABATE).

In honoring fallen police officers the sixth annual Run to the Heartland will feature a display of vintage police vehicles dating back as far as 1936 and coming from collections as far away as Massachusetts.

With the event set in the historic district of the town at Sebring Circle Park, visitors can see what brought the town its early growth and success. Known as “The City on the Circle,” Sebring, Florida was founded in 1911 by George Sebring. He conceived a unique circular plan as a focal point for this entire lakeside community with the idea that all roads should lead to and from the center of the community. Many feel the community experienced a boom era in the 1920’s as a result of its founder’s plans.

There will be performances by The Central Florida Precision Motorcycle Drill Team, live music as well as a ceremony honoring fallen law enforcement officers.

"There will be something for everyone on the Circle this weekend," Todd notes, "And we would like to invite everyone out to enjoy the motorcycles and music."