Arts & Entertainment

How Did Harley's 110th Anniversay Get So Big?

Worldwide events, including a blessing by Pope Francis, have brought a global awareness to Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary.

Greenfield residents and those who attended the House of Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary celebration in 2008 might be surprised to see the massive crowds expected over the next six days.

That’s because the 110th anniversary party at the Greenfield motorcycle dealership is expected to be more like the party it threw for Harley’s 100th anniversary.

House of Harley owner John Schaller said the motorcycle company has advertised for the 110th party, which it did not do for the 105th, and that events all around the world have taken place to promote this year’s celebration.

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The biggest single event came when Pope Francis blessed thousands of Harley riders at the Vatican back in June, Schaller said.

“All that publicity will drive more people here,” Schaller said.

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Planning for the 110th anniversary at House of Harley began nearly two years ago, according to Marketing Manager Sarah Maio. Efforts intensified as the event got closer, and since June, she said the store’s main focus has been the 110th party.

Schaller said his store is expecting to entertain tour groups from eight different countries including those as far away as Japan, China and Brazil.

In addition, Harley-Davidson has built approximately 2 million new motorcycles since the 100th anniversary. Schaller said about 52 percent of those bikes have been sold to new riders.

“Everyone who came here (for the 100th) remembered it, and if more than 50 percent of our riders are new, that means more than a million riders have never been here.

“Harley has really tried to expand its global reach to dealers and customers over the last couple of years. There is that increased global presence which brings an increased global interest.” 

More coverage of the 110th bash at House of Harley:



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