His land, once bountiful with hay fields and grazing livestock, has been transformed in the past decade into a summer hot spot for bikers from across the U.S.
In June, upwards of 10,000 bikers come to his place to drink a few beers, laugh, listen to live music and celebrate his birthday.
This year, Ward will be 55. His beard has gone gray, but his passion for motorcycles and hosting rallies makes him feel younger than ever, he said.
"We started this thing mostly with word of mouth,” Ward said.
"Now, we don’t have to whisper a word; they’re coming to us.”
Bike Week Oklahoma is now through June 27 at Ward’s Sparks America Campground, south of State Highway 18B between Meeker and Chandler. This year’s rally includes a $20,000 poker run and cage fights with appearances by celebrity fighters like Chuck Liddell.
There’s live music every night with a concert lineup of old-time favorites including Dr. Hook and Fran Cosmo, formerly of Boston.
George Sedgwick, 49, of Ardmore said this is his seventh visit to the rally. He arrives early, meeting about 30 other friends, and stays until the end.
"I keep coming back because it’s one of the best out there and it’s gotten better every year,” he said.
This year, Ward has made $300,000 in campground improvements.
Bikers can belly up to the new 50-foot bar handcrafted with Oklahoma cedars and fashioned at a nearby mill.
There will be 18 semi-truck loads of ice and two loads of beer.
Other new amenities include an upgraded first-aid station staffed 24 hours a day with paramedics. And if you’re interested in a permanent souvenir of your adventure at Sparks, there’s now a licensed tattoo parlor on the grounds.
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