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
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