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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 2, 2012)
W H I T E A K E R B L O C K P A R T Y 2 0 1 2 BIKE BRIGADE AND OTHER STREET FUN Activity on the block — or blocks — surges with so much energy and character that it’s one of the best features of the Whiteaker Block Party. Last year saw the silk performers set up in the trees and the light-up hula-hoop dancer, among other random delights. There are many things in store for a connoisseur of street entertainment. A new addition to the Block Party will be the cycling of the Bike Brigade. These fun folks will be rolling through the Whit, so watch out! Along with the Bike Brigade you’ll see many roving street performers, from jugglers to artists to dancers. If you want to capture the moment you and your family or friends can take a picture at this year’s photo booth, Da Booth, or get your picture taken by the Eugene Picture Project. Craft vendors at the Block Party will line up to sell their creations from booths as folks stroll the streets. No need to worry about getting hungry there will be tons of food vendors lined up on the side of the street to feed you, including a family duo snow cone booth. Need some time to dance with your special someone, minus the kid? The Kids Zone set up at West Side Auto from noon to 6 pm features tons of fun art supplies donated by MECCA, as well as edible art supplies donated by Wee Can Too, to keep your child busy. All ages are welcome and there will be security around the whole block to keep everyone safe. Keep your eye out for the Whiteaker raffle. All the proceeds go back to the Whiteaker fund and you can win awesome prizes. Get ready for a day and night full of fun for anyone who wants to be entertained. — Luciana Johnson MADE IN THE WHIT The beauty of the Block Party fashion show is not only the stylish clothes but also how they were made, who made them and who is wearing them. It is insular in a sense, bringing together designers, models and hair and makeup professionals within and near the Whiteaker neighborhood, but it also showcases what creativity can produce with leftover material, wherever you may hail from. “We really try to have mostly Whiteaker-based models, hair and makeup and designers,” says Laura Lee Laroux, operator of The Redoux Parlour, which is producing the fashion show. This year’s show begins on the Parking Lot Stage around 10 pm. Even though scheduled events are winding down by that time, it doesn’t mean audience members won’t be sticking around. Last year the crowd swelled in the parking lot. “It’s huge — so many people hang out for it,” Laroux says. The show will last about 30 minutes and showcases everything from the shiny items of Spandex Body to the feather headdresses of Rooster Baby. Much of the clothing that will be shown has been stitched together with fabric from a past life. “Almost everything out of my shop is made with recycled materials,” Laroux says. An example: the couture gowns that will be shown, which were produced from fabric scraps at Redoux and old curtains as well as other items. For some of the other clothing, material was found at estate sales or thrift stores. Laroux took over producing the show a couple years ago. Brad Coffey, of olivejuice, who passed away this year, was the original organizer, and she hopes to be able to show some of his designs from the past. “I’m really hoping to have a portion of the show be dedicated to him and have friends be modeling his old costumes,” she says. — Ted Shorack P H O T O S B Y S Y LVA N M A G N U S | S Y LVA N M A G N U S . C O M Breweries Block 15 Corvallis Brewers Union Local 180 Oakridge Oakshire Eugene NINKASI Eugene and More! Wineries Noble Estate Eugene TeSoaira Roseburg and More! Also Supported by LOCAL FOOD VENDORS LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY Classic Car Cruise & Show on First Street This event is funded in part by the room tax funds from the City of Oakridge, Oakridge/Westfi r Area Chamber of Commerce and Lane County. oregon Non-Profit Organizations FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: ninkasibrewing.com/beerislove MOUNTAIN BIKING CAPITAL OF THE NORTHWEST Please bring a food donation for the Oakridge Food Box A Fundraising Event Benefi ting The Oakridge Food Box, Chamber Of Commerce Uptown Business Revitalization Association & Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards WWW.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM EUGENE WEEKLY AUGUST 2, 2012 13
