Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City
Traveling Exhibit
Location: Kiawanda Community Center, Pacific City
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 7/18 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, 7/19
Free and open to the public
Stories from the fleet
The "Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City" traveling exhibition returns to the Kiawanda Community Center for the 2026 Dory Days celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the local dory fishing tradition.
The exhibit is part of a collaborative oral history project begun in 2011 by Linfield University and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association.
Through interviews with more than 100 dory fishers, families, friends, fish buyers, and boat builders, the collection preserves the voices closest to Pacific City’s dory tradition and the life of the Home of the Dory Fleet.
The 24-panel traveling exhibit follows more than a century of dory activity in Pacific City, from building and fiberglassing boats to turning oars, launching and landing through the surf, the Dory Derbies, Dory Days, the Memorial Wall, and the Blessing of the Fleet.
The display also includes contemporary fleet photography by Tyrone Marshall and Sandy Weedman, the “PC Photo Lady,” whose images capture the dramatic launches and breathtaking return landings that define the dory experience.
Dory Fishers: Sand Kickin’ and Story Tellin’
Kiawanda Community Center
Sunday, July 19, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Back by popular demand, the second annual Dory Days storytelling and discussion panel returns to the Kiawanda Community Center on Sunday, July 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This free event marks the conclusion of Dory Days 2026.
Drawing inspiration from the oral histories collected as part of the project, the event will feature storytelling by members of the dory community. Join us to hear personal stories from the true heroes of the waves as they share past and recent tales about their sometimes-daring escapades on the ocean and more. These storytellers represent decades of experience, family tradition, and unforgettable moments on the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're a lifelong local or discovering Pacific City's dory fleet for the first time, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable Oregon Coast heritage.
Meet the Storytellers
William "Bill (Skipper)" Hook first launched through the surf at age 10 and became Pacific City's youngest commercial fisherman when he purchased his first dory at just 14 years old. A longtime teacher and dedicated member of the Pacific City Dorymen's Association, Bill named nearly all of his boats Playin' Hooky. He and his wife, Paula, served as Grand Marshals of the 2024 Dory Days Parade.
Rob Kliever, the 2026 Dory Days Parade Grand Marshal, has been part of the dory fleet since the early 1970s. In 1974, he and his father commissioned the Klevenger, a dory that Rob still launches through the surf today. He currently serves on the Pacific City Dorymen's Association Board of Directors.
Ken "Kenny" Rosenbalm began dory fishing in 1975 and built his cherished dory, Warrior Pride, by hand using plans created by Terry Learned. Named in honor of his Amity High School teams, the boat has carried Kenny, his son, grandson, and great-grandson through the surf together. Known for his infectious laugh and generous spirit, Kenny is always eager to share both his stories and his catch.
