Madeline Pieschel

Last Weekend in Milwaukee…

A weekend of Harley Davidson's 110th Anniversary celebrations - captured by the TCD photo team.

By - Sep 2nd, 2013 04:29 pm

Milwaukee is a diverse city with numerous events happening every weekend.  This week, the Third Coast Daily photo team focused on the celebration of the 110th Harley-Davidson Anniversary which took place Thursday through Sunday at numerous streets and Harley dealerships in our very own, cyclist-respected city of Milwaukee.  The photo gallery includes events from Friday night’s street party at Brady and North Avenues, crowds and vendors at the House of Harley dealership on Layton Avenue, and proud riders hanging out at the Summerfest grounds.

All photos taken by Angela Morgan, Sara Bill and Madeline Pieschel.

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Hundreds of bikes lined up along Brady Street Friday night. Photo by Madeline Pieschel.

Tens of thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds flooded the streets of Harley’s hometown last weekend to celebrate the 110th anniversary of one of the most iconic and adorned motorcycle manufacturers to ever exist. The obsessive, dedicated following Harley-Davidson has built and maintained over the years was in absolute plain sight this past weekend, as loud rumbles and roars could be heard from just about every corner of the city. The loud ruckus was undeniably a bit of a nuisance at times, but in the end it was overshadowed by the countless festivities and parties, enjoyable people watching, and sense of Milwaukee pride that the noisy celebration contributed to.

The weekend kicked off Thursday at the Summerfest grounds with performances from well-respected artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Doobie Brothers. Thursday also marked the women’s rally, uniting and celebrating the many proud women riders that  support one another as much as they do the Harley-Davidson name.  Following the Thursday kickoff were crowded and lively street parties, which were held at various locations throughout the weekend: North Avenue on Friday, Milwaukee Street on Saturday and Water Street on Sunday. Restaurants and bars located near the street parties made the most of the celebration, setting up food stands and outdoor bars for the thousands of eagerly thirsty and hungry riders.

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An aerial view of Friday’s Block Party on North Ave. Photo Sara Bill

Saturday marked the official 110th anniversary parade where over 6,000 riders and and enthusiasts lined up to ride through Milwaukee’s downtown for all kinds of spectators and onlookers to witness. The parade left from Miller Park and made its way down Wisconsin Avenue to Milwaukee Street, and ended back at the Summerfest Grounds. Sunday wrapped up the celebration with a custom bike show at the Harley-Davidson Museum,  showcasing the skills of some of the best amateur bike builders around.  Milwaukee area dealerships Hal’s Harley Davidson, House of Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee Harley-Davidson, Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson, and Uke’s Harley-Davidson also held their own festivities and attractions throughout the weekend as well. The final ride of the weekend will be held today, Monday, as riders part ways and say their farewells to each other, and to of course, Milwaukee.

See below for Third Coast Daily’s full photo gallery from last weekend in Milwaukee.

0 thoughts on “Last Weekend in Milwaukee…”

  1. Anonymous says:

    My next door neighbor told me that the City of Milwaukee will benefit to the tune of at least (and probably much more) two hundred thousand dollars from the 110th Anniversary Harley events and business sales. My brother told me that he saw policemen on TV stating that people on Harleys could drink five beers in front of them since they were there to protect them, not arrest them. I myself live on a street off Brady Street and the noise this weekend, particularly on Saturday night, was amazing, though the crowds were convivial and for the most part orderly. Evidently Harleys aren’t exactly here to stay, but we’re certain that they will be coming back, at least every five years! Thank you for your well-written article.

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