We WILL Celebrate!
A little tumult can’t kill the buzz BY TED TAYLOR
T
his coming weekend will be a time to celebrate
Eugene even if some of the names, venues and
entertainment are not quite what we have been
accustomed to in past decades. But Eugeneans are
flexible, right?
Familiar will be the Eugene Celebration Parade and Pet
Parade Saturday, Aug. 23, followed by something new, a
gathering outside Civic Stadium at the end of the parade
for a rally. And Festival of Eugene is still happening as we
go to press despite some moments of uncertainty as the
new festival came together. Here’s what we know to help
you plan your weekend:
The annual Pet Parade will be at 10:30 am Saturday,
making a one-block square, starting at 12th and High,
heading north to 11th, then along 11th to Pearl, then down
Pearl to 12th. Greenhill Humane Society sponsors the Pet
Parade and the event draws hundreds of participants and
spectators. (Yes, in previous years the Pet Parade was on
Sundays.) Expect dogs in tutus and kids pulling wagons with
everything from iguanas to chickens. Spectators watch for
free, but the entry cost is $5.
The Eugene Celebration Parade with its political,
social and often outrageous entries will begin at 11 am
Saturday near South Eugene High School and head north
along High Street to 11th where it will take a left and then
head south on Pearl to end near the Civic Stadium parking
lot. Staging for the parade begins at 8 am and entries will
be judged for their entertainment value, creativity, concept
and enthusiasm. Categories include Best Viewed, Best
Dressed, Best in Step, Best Laughs, Best Listening, Kids
are Best, Judges Know Best, Best Elementary/Middle
School Entry, Best High School Band and Best of Show.
First place winners get cash prizes. Parade watchers get
giggles.
Civic Stadium will get some attention this year as
everyone is invited for a rally and entertainment outside
the stadium at the end of the parade. Samba Ja and Kudana
bands in the parade will lead a procession to Civic for
the gathering with “special guests,” more music and
refreshments. The rally is in support of efforts to save and
restore the historic stadium and keep it from becoming
another shopping center and parking lot.
Festival of Eugene was planned in a hurry following
the surprise cancellation of the Eugene Celebration
two months ago by Kesey Enterprises. Wedding and
MAP PROVIDED BY KRYSTA ALBERT/FESTIVAL OF EUGENE
event planner Krysta Albert had already organized the
Health and Wellness Celebration as part of the Eugene
Celebration, and decided to expand it to fill the gap and
make it free. The nonprofit Festival of Eugene started off
downtown on 5th Avenue, but ran into time constraints and
other problems. She then attempted to relocate to Alton
Baker Park, and it finally landed at Skinner Butte Park,
which is along the river and bike path a few blocks north
of 5th Street Public Market. Donations and enthusiasm
have kept this project alive despite numerous obstacles.
Last we heard, the festival is still on for Skinner Butte
Park 4 to 10 pm Friday and 11 am to 10 pm Saturday. There
will be local bands and musicians (see “Music Matters”),
mixed in with comedy, DJs, poetry readings and other acts.
Various for-profit vendors including mustache and face
painters are planning booths and nonprofits like Friends
of Civic, Cascadia Wildlands, NEDCO and Attachment
Parents of Lane County are slated to participate. Albert
says she anticipates one winery and two beer tents in a
garden in the middle of the festival’s footprint. Find
updates at the Festival of Eugene Facebook page and
information on booth prices at festivalofeugene.com.
Finally, a concert at Cuthbert for an unheard-of
entry fee of $5 is planned at 5:30 pm Saturday, featuring
Hell’s Belles, Zepparella and Foreverland, billed as a
“14-piece live tribute to Michael Jackson.” Parade entry
winners will be announced between sets at about 6:30 pm.
For those who have never seen a show at the Cuthbert, this
is an opportunity to experience a world-class venue. Bring
a blanket. Beer, wine and food will be available. ■
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