By Stacee Sledge
It’s that time of year again when sublime weather – and a weekend full of fun activities – draws bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts galore to Ocean Shores.
The annual Hog Wild Weekend and Sun and Surf Motorcycle Run take place this weekend, July 27-29, which include a parade of fun events, culminating in the immensely popular AC/DC cover band Hell’s Belles performing at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino on Saturday night.
The majority of activities take place at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, for the Sun and Surf Motorcycle Run, and the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, for its popular Hog Wild Weekend.
“It’s an excuse to ride your bike to Ocean Shores, rent a room, and party a couple days, and then come back home,” says Julio Valdenegro, general manager at Northwest Harley-Davidson in Lacey.
Money raised at Sun and Surf Run goes to the Sun and Surf Charity, which is then distributed to deserving charities, including Boyer Children’s Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Ocean Shores Food Bank, North Beach PAWS, and more.
All motorcycles are welcome, but traditionally more Harleys than anything else make the trip. “If you have a motorcycle and want to participate, you’re totally welcome,” says Valdenegro.
A myriad of biker-related entertainment is also taking place at Quinault Beach and Resort Casino this weekend, where they’re throwing their eighth annual Hog Wild Weekend.
From free live music and a bikini bike wash to merchandise vendors and amazing food options, Quinault’s Hog Wild Weekend kicks off Friday night and ends with a breakfast buffet in the Fireside lobby on Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The first 500 bikers who show their Harley key to the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino’s Q-Club will receive a special Hog Wild coupon book – the only way to land exclusive freebies like a commemorative bandana, beads, and other special items.
Aberdeen’s own Gebular bring their alternative hard rock to the casino’s outdoor concert area on Friday night, while both Friday and Saturday night finds old-school R&B funk band Emerald City Throwdown playing inside from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Arguably the weekend’s biggest live music event is Hell’s Belles, who return to the casino for the fourth time for a free outdoor concert on Saturday night.
AC/DC’s Angus Young has lauded the all-female AC/DC cover band as the best he’s heard. They’ve been rocking since 2000 and have a huge following, having played shows all over the United States and in Japan.
“Hell’s Belles pulled in 400 or 500 people last year,” say Quinault Beach Resort & Casino events coordinator Anne Sotomish-Pillsbury. “They’re so fun.”
“It’s a great cause,” Valdenegro says of the weekend’s fundraising aspects. “And it’s such a fun time to get together and put wind in your face while you’re riding your motorcycle, your favorite thing to do.”
Hog Wild Weekend
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino
78 Washington State Route 115
Ocean Shores WA 98569
Sun & Surf Run
Ocean Shores Convention Center
120 W. Chance a La Mer NW
Ocean Shores WA 98569
