Coming home
From August 29 to September 1, Milwaukee celebrated 110 years of Harley-Davidson and 30 years of the Harley Owners Group.
· The biggest 110th anniversary party of the year
· 100,000 bikers from all over the world in Milwaukee
· Aerosmith, Kid Rock, and 58 other music greats on five stages
· Large parade with 7,000 bikes through the streets of Milwaukee
Who didn't know that Harley-Davidson this year 110th birthday celebrates and that the Harley Owners Group Anyone who is turning 30 this year has most likely spent the last twelve months on a desert island. Everyone else is probably aware that 2013 is a year of special anniversaries for the Milwaukee-based brand. Celebrations took place around the globe, with countless parties on every continent and major events in Goa, Auckland, Daytona, Melbourne, Margate, Zhejiang, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Rome, and Sturgis.
But one party topped them all: the mega party in Milwaukee, the hometown of the Motor Company, where Mr. Harley and Mr. Davidson built their first three roadworthy motorcycles 110 years ago. motorcycles completed.
From August 29 to September 1, Harley-Davidson invited all friends of the brand to the place where it all began. Men and women of all ages were there, representing all nationalities – peacefully united in their shared passion for „their“ brand. The fans had organized impressive rallies to Milwaukee, and the characteristic „potatoe“ sound filled the entire city, including its access roads.
Around 100,000 bikers were counted in the city. Meanwhile, the 300,000 m² Henry Maier Festival Park on the shore of Lake Michigan transformed into a first-class party mile: food and drinks from 43 regional restaurants and every imaginable 110th anniversary souvenir as far as the eye could see.
The 110th Signing Wall, a special Women's Area, the Custom Bike Show, Exhibitions of current and historic models rounded off the offering. Special event areas, including a lounge, were reserved for members of the Harley Owners Group, the world's largest customer association supported by a motorcycle manufacturer.
From Aerosmith until ZZ Top The wide spectrum of 60 bands rocking out on five stages was enough. Among those who really stepped on the gas were Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, the Doobie Brothers, John Fogerty, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Toby Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Uncle Kracker.
A very special highlight was the performance by Kid Rock, who is as rebellious as he is authentic, with his unique blend of different musical styles, is a true representative of the brand. Harley-Davidson was enthusiastically celebrated.
The Harley-Davidson Museum provided another event location with plenty of fun and action centered around the brand's history. The world's longest „Bike Night“ was celebrated here on Thursday night. As the weekend approached, the residents finally experienced their city in a state of emergency with a bubbling V-Twin fever, and they celebrated the spirit of freedom, individualism, and nonconformity exuberantly with their guests.
The celebrations weren't limited to the designated party area. Spontaneous block parties popped up all over the city, with residents joining guests from around the world to celebrate the 110th birthday of „their“ Harley-Davidson brand.
The icing on the cake of the event was the large motorcycle parade of 7,000 bikes through Downtown Milwaukee, which was attended by numerous Harley managers and guests of honor. The remaining participants were selected by lottery.
A party like this can truly only happen once. More impressions of the fascinating orange-and-black weekend in Milwaukee can be found at www.hogeuropegallery.com.
With the Super Festival in Milwaukee is the party season but not over yet: the magnificent European Bike Week begins on September 3 and will take place in Carinthia, particularly in the picturesque Lake Faak until September 8 with the Harley-Davidson Fever fever. Here, too, thousands of fans will celebrate their brand with friends from all over the world.
Text and images copyright Harley-Davidson 2013
