PARADE HISTORY

Where the Dory Days Parade began

For generations, Pacific City’s dory fleet has launched straight through the surf and returned with stories, fish, and a community built around the ocean. Dory Days grew from that working waterfront spirit into a summer festival and parade that honors the people, boats, and traditions that shaped this place.

A living local archive

This page is designed to grow as historical photographs, parade programs, logos, and artwork are collected. Check back later for more content to be added.

Since 1959

A parade of boats, families, fishermen, and neighbors.

From working dories to a town tradition

Dory Days celebrates the unique dory boats that launch directly from the beach, the families who built and fished them, and the neighbors who turned that heritage into an annual gathering. The parade became a moving snapshot of the community: decorated boats, local organizations, royalty courts, music, and generations of coastal pride rolling through town.

Heritage in motion

Every year adds another layer to the archive — new grand marshals, new parade themes, new artwork, and familiar boats returning with fresh decorations.

HOW WE GOT HERE

A community tradition, year after year

Origins

The parade grew from Pacific City’s working dory fleet and the families who kept the beach-launching tradition alive.

Parade day

Decorated boats, local groups, royalty courts, and neighbors turned heritage into a rolling celebration.

Recognition

Dory Days is recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition, honoring a fleet and culture found nowhere else.

Today

Each festival adds new photos, artwork, and stories for future visitors to discover.

PHOTO ARCHIVE

Scenes from the past

Want to learn more?

Join us during Dory Days to explore the "Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City" exhibit at the Kiawanda Community Center and listen to the stories firsthand at the

Dory Fishers: Sand Kickin’ and Story Tellin’ even on Sunday, July 19 at 1PM.

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