The story of the dory
We’re halfway through the year and Pacific City is not letting that go unnoticed.
The community is bringing Christmas in July to its annual Dory Days, a celebration of the sea and season, taking place from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20.
Rooted in the rich dory boat fishing heritage of Pacific City, the event honors the brave dory fishers and the unique culture they have built on the Oregon Coast. The festivities include a fresh fish fry, artisan market, a dory history exhibit and a parade.
“As I roll off the last swell, leaving the beach and all that behind, I look out to the sea — excited for what’s ahead. It’s kinda like Christmas morning,” said Pacific City Dorymen’s Association Co-Chair Randy Haltiner. “So, let’s celebrate Christmas in July.”
The three-day event is hosted by the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association and the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce. It is recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission, in good company with events such as the Pendleton Roundup and the Portland Rose Festival.
“Dory boats are unique because they launch and land right on the sand,” said Jeff Kallevig, chamber of commerce board member and Dorymen’s Association member. “The local dory fleet is one of the largest in the world. Dory boats have been launching off the beach at Cape Kiwanda for over 80 years.”
Friday begins with the artisan market, with handcrafted treasures from local makers, opening at noon at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Brooten Road. At 7 pm, the band Countryfied will give a concert at the Kiawanda Community Center. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the door.
On Saturday morning, the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District will host its annual Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the Kiawanda Community Center from 7 to 9 am. Meals are $10 for adults or $5 for kids aged 12 and under.
Then, dory boats will parade right through the heart of Pacific City, from Sunset Drive to Spring Street, beginning at 11 am. With a theme as festive as Christmas in July, there are rumors that maybe the big red guy will make an appearance.
The parade will also honor Grand Marshal Steve Johnson, a third-generation fisherman who has served as director of the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association for the past 20 years. Parade royalty also includes Senior Princess Avery Johnson, who caught her first salmon at the age of five; and Junior Princess Evie Stuart, a seventh-generation Nestucca Valley resident.
Post-parade, the famous fish fry will run from noon to 5 pm at the Kiawanda Community Center. Locally caught fish will be served with baked beans, creamy coleslaw and a warm roll. Plates are $18 for adults and $12 for kids
Additional family-friendly activities on Saturday include face painting, bingo, live music from Bret Lucich and a kids’ treasure hunt in the sand in front of Pelican Brewing.
“Launching Through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City,” a collaborative history exhibition with 20 interpretive panels created by students at Linfield University and the Pacific City Dorymen's Association, will be on display at the Kiawanda Community Center Saturday, from 7 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission to the exhibit is free.
And if you want to hear a whale of a tale, check out the dorymen’s discussion panel on Sunday from noon to 1:30 pm at the Kiawanda Community Center. To close out the festival, local fishing legends will share tales about their time on the water.
“There’s something really special about Pacific City and the beach at Cape Kiwanda,” Kallevig said. “There’s a spirit and a vibe that is very hometown. This is us, celebrating us. The dory community is a regional one and some people have been a part of this community for generations.”
Kallevig said that the celebration brings several thousand people to the area for the weekend. To alleviate parking issues, “Holly the Trolley” will offer free shuttle rides. Riders can catch the trolley on her route starting at 10 am from Whalen Island to Bob Straub State Park. The last stop is at 5:18 pm. For a full stop schedule, go to nwconnector.org/routes/pacific-city-free-shuttle.
The Kiawanda Community Center is located at 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive in Pacific City. For more information and a full schedule of Dory Days events, go to pacificcitydorydays.com.