June Monthly Challenge - Sidney Avenue Totem Pole

Event date: 
Mon, 06/01/2026 - 12:00am

The location for May is:

Sidney Avenue Turnaround on the Port Orchard Waterfront 

 

Chapter Ride: See June 7, School's Out Picnic Lunch Ride

 

The totem pole that stands at the Sidney Avenue turnaround on the Port Orchard waterfront was originally carved in the 1980s by Frank Smith Sr., a respected Makah carver from Neah Bay. Smith carved dozens of poles and cultural artifacts over his 60‑year career.

This pole was created as a dedication to Gerald H. Grosso, a former Port Orchard councilman and journalist whose archaeological work with the Makah people—especially around the Ozette site—earned him deep respect within the tribe

This pole is unique in Washington because:

It is Makah‑carved, representing a tribe from the Olympic Peninsula’s northwest corner.
It honors a local non‑Native ally (Grosso) who helped preserve Makah heritage.
It has been maintained by three generations of the same carving family.
It stands in a public, waterfront location, making it a visible symbol of Port Orchard’s connection to regional Indigenous history.

 

To enter in the June WA State Challenge - Totem Pole ride to the Totem Pole location and take a picture of yourself and the Totem Pole, no motorcycle required in photo. Post the photo to Tacoma HOG Facebook, Tacoma HOG Photos or send to [email protected]. Safe travels.

 

Monthly Challenge Rules

Closed Event: Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. Chapter members. Closed Events are those events open to Chapter members and one guest per member.

Photography Policy: Photographing, filming, recording and videotaping of activities and events will be occurring Tacoma Washington Chapter events. By entering the H.O.G.® event area, you irrevocably grant permission to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company® and its agents to photograph, film, record and/or videotape you and use (and authorize the use of) your name, image, likeness, voice, and/or biographical or other information in any and all media now known or hereinafter developed in perpetuity for any and all purposes.

Event Coordinator: 
Scott Dallasta
Activities

[email protected]