Now that’s a float

Dory Days celebrates Pacific City’s fishing heritage

For 67 years, Pacific City has celebrated a fishing tradition unlike any other on the Oregon Coast.

Dory Days returns this Friday, July 17, through Saturday, July 19, honoring the Pacific City Dory Fleet, whose fishermen still launch their flat-bottomed boats directly through the surf at Cape Kiwanda. Recognized by the Oregon Heritage Commission as an Oregon Heritage Tradition, the annual festival celebrates the fishermen, families and volunteers who have preserved this unique way of life for generations.

This year's theme, "Long May She Wave," honors both the enduring spirit of the fleet and America's 250th anniversary. Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore an artisan market, enjoy live music, cheer on the Dory Days Parade, feast on dory-caught fish and learn more about the history of the fleet through exhibits and storytelling.

One of the highlights is the return of "Launching Through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City," an exhibit that grew out of an oral history project launched by Linfield University and the Pacific City Dorymen's Association. The exhibit tells the story of the fleet through photographs, artifacts and personal accounts from the people who have spent their lives on the water.

The celebration concludes Sunday with "Dory Fishers: Sand Kickin' and Story Tellin'," where fishermen and family members share firsthand stories about life in the fleet. From memorable surf launches and fishing adventures to reflections on family traditions and community, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people who have kept the dory tradition alive.

Friday's activities include an artisan market from 11 am to 5 pm and a concert by Countryfied from 7 to 10 pm. Saturday features the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 am, the Dory Days Parade at 11 am, a fish fry with live music beginning at noon, family activities and evening bingo. Sunday's schedule includes the artisan market, the dory history exhibit and the storytelling panel. Most events take place at the Kiawanda Community Center, located at 34600 Cape Kiawanda Drive in Pacific City, while the artisan market is held at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Brooten Road. For more information, go to pacificcitydorydays.com.