Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

Harley-Davidson Celebrates “110 Years of Freedom”

History110 Harley Davidson
Harley-Davidson is a Milwaukee based, American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in 1903 by 22-year-old William S. Harley. In 1901, Harley designed the initial prototype, which was a bicycle frame with a motor. Over the next couple years, Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson worked on the motor-bicycle development. Ultimately, they found that the motorized pedal bicycle wasn’t practical for climbing the hilly terrain around Milwaukee. So, in 1903, they designed a new bike with a bigger engine, and on a loop-frame. The prototype was built in a 10ft x 15ft shed in the Davidson family backyard. The motorcycle was functional and competed in the Milwaukee motorcycle race held at the state fair on September 8, 1904, and placed fourth. In 1906, the Harley-Davidson first factory was built on Juneau Avenue, producing 50 motorcycles. Today, the original factory serves as the corporate headquarters, and Harley-Davidson is the most recognized motorcycle brand in the world.

Celebration
This year marks the 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, which is being recognized by a 3-day celebration on Labor Day Weekend, Thursday August 29-Saturday August 31, 2013. Two-day ($79 per person) or three-day ($99 per per) celebration tickets are available. The festivities take place at Milwaukee’s lakefront Summerfest Grounds, otherwise known as the Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Festivities include:

  • A Harley-Davidson Museum
    View Harley-Davidson history and culture through self-guided tours
    Open 9am-9pm Thursday through Saturday
  • Product displays
  • Food and drink booths
  • UFC 164
    Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown on Sat, Aug 31
    Ultimate Fighting Championship at the BMO Harris Bradley Center
  • Music from:
    • Toby Keith
    • Aerosmith
    • Kid Rock
    • ZZ Top
    • John Fogerty
    • Uncle Kracker
    • Dropkick Murphys
    • Lupe Fiasco
    • Common
    • Brantley Gilbert
    • Doobie Brothers
    • Buckcherry
    • Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
    • Gaslight Anthem
    • Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers
    • Sublime with Rome and Halestorm

*Note – some bands require an additional ticket

  • Downloadable 110th Anniversary Celebration Poster
  • Downloadable Official Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Mobile App- your guide to the celebration

H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) 30th AnniversaryFLHS Electra-Glide Sport
In addition to this year being the 110th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson, it is also the 30th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group or H.O.G. The H.O.G. celebration is the same time as the 110th Anniversary Celebration, but requires both an 110th Anniversary celebration ticket and a H.O.G. membership card for entrance. Activities include:

  • Live entertainment from Lynyrd Skynyrd and nine other bands
  • Motorcycle Skills Competition
  • Members-only MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) bike raffle for charity, where raffle ticket purchasers can win a 2014 one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson.
  • New Orleans-style walking parade displaying country’s colors, chapter flags, and H.O.G. and Harley-Davidson colors and attire.
  • Custom bike show
  • 30th Anniversary pin for attendees

Congratulations to Harley-Davidson on 110 years and H.O.G. on 30 years!