STURGIS, S.D. (AP) - Tattoo artists gathered for an inking festival to coincide with the Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota report dismal attendance that prompted many to go home early.
The Immersed in Ink Tattoo and Arts Festival ended $65,000 in the red. Coordinator Amy Gutierrez said this week's rally brought in the least money of any she has coordinated in seven years through her company, G Force Event Productions.
Gutierrez blames poor location and marketing for her company's loss. The event had been scheduled through Friday.
Tattoo artist Michael Matlock says he recouped about one-third of his expenses to travel from Ohio to Sturgis.
Michigan tattoo artist Justin Garcia says he'll never come back to Sturgis, though he acknowledges he's "never met more interesting people."
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