Spend a spectacular weekend at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge while enjoying the motorcycles, live music and oysters of the 2015 Oyster Run.
The quiet seaside city of Anacortes is preparing itself for the massive tidal wave of motorcycle riders that will converge on the city at this year’s annual “Oyster Run”. Over 30, 0000 motorcycles, of all makes and models, are expected to rumble into Anacortes on Sunday, Sept. 27 for an all-day motorcycle lover’s dream come true.
One of the region’s biggest annual events and the Pacific Northwest’s largest motorcycle run, the Oyster Run will welcome motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the state. The infamous Oyster Run is the once a year event where thousands of bikers come together in Anacortes, Wash., for some fun in the sun and grilled oysters.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
At the end of summer in 1981, “Limp Lee” contacted a few guys he knew and suggested they get together and go for a motorcycle ride to Everson for oyster cocktails. The small group agreed and took off from Marysville by way of Highway 9, periodically stopping off to sample oysters at different local spots.
The following year a few more people joined the group and the next year brought even more. By the fourth year, Lee’s group had grown to almost 200 bikes. As the years progressed the group had grown too big to ride up Highway 9, so Lee went and spoke with city officials from Anacortes, Wash. in hopes of moving the annual run there. After some hesitation and many meetings, the city of Anacortes gave the thumbs up to hold, what is now deemed the “Oyster Run”, at its beautiful seaside location.
It has now been 34 years since that small group set off on their first ride, now the famous Oyster Run has grown to over 30, 000 motorcycle riders and continues to grow every year.
OYSTER RUN WEEKEND THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Sept. 25th – Kickoff the Oyster Run weekend with the Michelle Taylor Band appearing Friday, night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge. After spending a dream filled night at the Swinomish Lodge, wake up and head down to the Two Salmon Café for a hearty breakfast.
Sept. 26th – Spend Saturday strolling along the city’s historical buildings in downtown Anacortes while popping into the unique variety of boutique shops, art galleries, bookstores and antique shops. After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, relax with a glass of wine while dining at the 13moons restaurant located in the Swinomish Casino & Lodge.
Saturday night’s hot musical performances will kick off with Seattle’s pop rock band with an edge, The PopOffs! Followed by none other than the AC/DC cover band “Hell’s Belles”. Endorsed by Angus Young, the all-female band is scheduled to rock the Main Stage on the Casino Floor at 9:30 p.m. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older.
Sept. 27th – Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, all the fun and excitement of the Oyster Run begins. Vintage, custom and original bikes will line the streets of downtown Anacortes while live music, performed by The Unfaithful Servants, plays on stage.
Don’t miss the crazy acrobatics of Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team or the fierce Whidbey Island Roller Girls. Street vendors, food, entertainment, and of course oysters will round out your spectacular weekend.
Make a full weekend of the Oyster Run by making reservations at the Swinomish Casino & Lodge. Share and indulge in all Skagit Valley has to offer this special time of year!
