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MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Hundreds of motorcycle riders from the HOG rally in Escanaba made their way into Marquette County Friday for fellowship, food, and fun.

First stop, Bald Eagle Harley Davidson in Marquette, where motorcycle enthusiasts checked out one another's bikes and got to know Harley lovers from across the state.

"Sounded like a lot of fun, got together with our brothers and decided to come on up," says Jacky Reid of Lansing.

By holding some of the HOG events in Marquette County this year, it was a great way to get people into the county, but it was also with hope that they would come back, if Marquette County hosted the convention in 2012.

"For us, we're trying to introduce riders maybe that have never heard about Marquette or wanted to take a ride up here to come on up and see what we're all about," says Pat Black of the Marquette County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  "I'll be honest, we want them back in 2012."

From there it was down M-35 to Little Lake for a pig roast at the Full Throttle Bar and Grill.  This was the restaurant's first-time hosting an event for the premiere ride.

"It is hugely important for us to make a presence wherever we can," says co-owner Sally Searle.  "With a name like 'Full Throttle Bar and Grill,' obviously our focus are motorcycles, but we cater to anybody."

Between the Full Throttle and the Up North Lodge in Gwinn, about 700 riders were expected at the pig roasts.  Afterwards, the riders headed back to Escanaba where the fun will continue through Saturday.