Christmas Comes Early at the Coast: Dory Days Returns July 18–20 with Festive “Christmas in July” Theme
The traveling exhibit “Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City” makes its much-anticipated annual return to the Kiawanda Community Center during the 2025 Dory Days celebration in Pacific City! Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the local dory fishing tradition.
This exhibition features a component of the larger “Launching through the Surf” project developed collaboratively by Linfield University and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association. It explores the vital role dory fishers and their boats have played—and continue to play—in the life and identity of Pacific City.
Since its inception in the summer of 2011, the oral history project has documented the adventures of this unique fishing community. To date, the team has interviewed more than 100 dory fishers, collecting over 15,000 vintage and contemporary photographs and other images and more than 300 hours of audio and video recordings. The stories are shared in the voices of those closest to the fleet: the fishers themselves, along with their families, friends, boatbuilders, and fish buyers.
The exhibit features 25 panels exploring the following topics and more: historical highlights covering more than a century of dory activity in Pacific City, building a dory, turning oars, the evolution of the Pacific City dories, the Dory Derbies, and Dory Days. The panels are comprised of vintage photographs and historical documents from the dory fishers, contemporary photographs, and comments from the oral history interviews.
This year’s exhibit also includes three special displays:
- A salute to the 2025 Dory Days theme, “Christmas in July,” with photos by Tyrone Marshall,
- A tribute to the past with vintage photographs certain to evoke fond memories for many and a sense of awe for all, and
- A celebration of the photographs of Sandra (Sandy) Weedman, aka the “PC Photo Lady.”
Also known as the official photographer of the Dory Fleet, Sandy has been part of the dory landscape on the beach at Cape Kiwanda for several decades. She can be found there most weekends and holidays with camera in hand, documenting the dories as they launch west into the often-breathtaking waves and return with thrilling slides onto the beach.
Exhibit hours at the Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City are Saturday, July 19th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to the Dory Days showing, a mini-version of the traveling exhibit will be on display at the Oregon Coast Bank in Pacific City throughout July. The mini-display features 7 of the larger exhibit’s 25 panels exploring the following topics: historical highlights covering more than a century of dory activity in Pacific City, the evolution of the Pacific City dories, the Dory Derbies, and Dory Days. The exhibit also includes a selection of vintage photographs as well as photos from the Sandy Weedman collection.
The exhibition will be open to the public during regular hours from July 1st through July 31st at 35490 Airport Way in Pacific City.
The Pacific City Dory Days Planning Committee also enthusiastically announces the inaugural presentation of “Dory Fishers—Sand Kickin’ and Story Tellin’” during Dory Days 2025. Drawing inspiration from the oral histories collected as part of the “Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City” history project, the event will feature in-person storytelling by members of the dory community.
Storytellers include Steve Johnson (2025 Dory Days Parade Grand Marshal), Lee Peterson, David Sears, Randy Haltiner, Brent Foster, Brad Foster, Ray Monroe, and Pam Learned. Each storyteller will share one or two stories about their experiences with dory fishing and the dory community.
“Dory Fishers—Sand Kickin’ and Story Tellin’” will take place on Sunday, July 20th from Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City.
In addition to the storytelling panel, the traveling exhibit “Launching through the Surf: The Dory Fleet of Pacific City” will be available for viewing on Sunday, July 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kiawanda Community Center.
Celebrate the spirit of the sea and the season at Dory Days 2025, happening July 18–20 in Pacific City! This year’s theme, “Christmas in July,” brings a festive, family-friendly twist to this beloved Oregon Coast tradition. Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor, this unforgettable weekend offers something for everyone—from fresh dory-caught fish to live music, dancing, and a whole lot of coastal holiday cheer.
Dory Days honors the iconic dory fishing fleet of Pacific City, a tradition recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission. It’s a chance to celebrate the brave dory community who launch their boats straight from the beach and return with stories (and fish!) for the whole community.
This year’s highlights include:
-
A festive dory boat parade, complete with holiday-themed floats and surprises (yes, Santa might make an appearance in a dory boat!)
-
A local artisan market showcasing handcrafted goods and gifts
-
An exhibit focused on historical highlights and other details about the Dory Fleet
-
A storytelling event featuring members of the dory community
-
Activities for children including a treasure dig, face painting, fish identification and more
-
Live music and dancing throughout the weekend
-
And of course, the annual fish fry with local dory-caught product
“As I roll off the last swell, leaving the beach and all that behind, I look out to sea—excited for what’s ahead. It’s kinda like Christmas morning. So let’s celebrate Christmas in July!” — Randy Haltiner, Hi Tide
The event is proudly co-hosted by the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association, two organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique coastal culture.
Get Involved!
Dory Days runs on the power of community. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this celebration—and we need your help to bring the magic to life! Whether it’s helping at the parade or supporting the fish fry, there’s a role for everyone. Sign up to volunteer today at https://pacificcitydorydays.com/volunteer/
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate a cherished Oregon Coast tradition—with a merry little twist. Join us for a weekend of dories, Pacific City and holiday cheer.
To learn more about the Pacific City Dory Fleet visit the digital archives at https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/dory/