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100th anniversary memories






  Party does not even begin to describe what went on at Milwaukee's lakefront, and throughout the area, during the last week of summer in 2003. This was the 100th birthday of the Harley Davidson motorcycle, and it was not going to be allowed to pass without considerable fanfare. I was only able to witness, and enjoy a small part of what was going on. It would have taken several weeks to get the full measure of the activities, and it was all compressed into a single week. What is most memorable is the happiness and friendliness of the people, visitors and residents alike. There was also the constant low rumble in the background, as if the city were sited near a volcano. 



The Celebration
Like the celibration itself, these pages are a bit spread out, and wander somewhat --- sorry. The Lakefront Parties pages are linked together, but the other pages (particularly the Harley Davidson Experience section) are a bit loosley structured. Again, sorry, but I couldn't figure out a better way to show everything. The photos of the parade are rather extensive, and it was a painfull experience to cull it down even to the extent that I did. Every photo that I discarded form the final cut, caused a slihgt pang.  For a general overview of what went on, just scroll down this page a bit, until you get below this menu. Harley has promised us another big even tor the 105th, but even so, there will be only a single hundreth.

Harley Davidson 100th birthday bash Events
The Art Center Exhibit The Lakefront
(the Harley Davidson Experience)
The Parade Wild in the Streets 
(Nights of the 100th)
The Lakefront Parties
The Party Friday: The Doobie Brothers
The Bikes Saturday: Steppenwolf 
The People Sunday (the final concert)

A Small overview



The Milwaukee City Hall, surrounded by bikes. Water Street, and much of the downtown area was closed to become a gigantic bike parking lot and street party. Brady Street, and North Avenue along the east side looked much the same. Also looking like this were Layton avenue, and parts of Greenfield avenue, along with numerous other locations around town.
A beautiful 100th anniversary model, in it's natural habitat.
The tallest building in the state announces it's favorite motorcycle, and looms over the city, telling everyone who can see the skyline.
Along the main drag of the Summerfest grounds, which have now become the centerpiece of the Harley anniversary celebration festival.
Nearing the festival grounds at the lake front. This is thursday, and the real party has not even begun yet.
A look up the approach to the grounds which have become, like so many other streets, a gigantic motorcycle parking lot and bike show. 
The main entry to the festival grounds, flanked by motorcycles.
Heading towards dusk, and really, the party is just beginning. 
Harley people being, well, Harley people. This particular group was from Sweden, and wants to let the world know that they are descended from Vikings. If Harley would have been around during the Viking conquests, these people have no doubt that motorcycles would have played a part.
Near the exit, as the first of four nights of entertainment at the lake front ends.
Getting home. or back to the hotel, might not be so easy tonight.
I don't think these people rode all the way.
It is entirely possible to have too much fun.
A ride up the lakefront, after the parade. The art center is in the background. It just happens to be displaying a number of Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Did I say too much fun?
A look up Lincoln Memorial Drive, which is the scenic road along Lake Michigan. It is packed with bikes, all the way up to the downtown area, where the drive comes back into the heart of the city.
The curve of Lincoln Memorial Drive, by the art center. The statue in the back is of Abraham Lincoln. It is standing above a virtual sea of Harley Davidson motorcycles; two icons of freedom alongside each other.
The place is packed with motorcycles. This is after the Saturday morning parade.
More motorcycles, looking down north along the drive. Lake Michigan is to the right, but is hidden by the art center.
The beginning. People mill around, we have four hours before the show will start. Assorted entertainment is projected up on the big screens.
The finale
It's all over, but will be long remembered. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again in five years.
Harley Davidson 100th birthday bash Events

The Art Center Exhibit The Lakefront
(the Harley Davidson Experience)
The Parade
Wild in the Streets 
(Nights of the 100th)

The Lakefront Parties

The Party
Friday: The Doobie Brothers
The Bikes
Saturday: Steppenwolf 
The People
Sunday (the final concert)