If you've been paying attention to the WTO conference in Seattle this month, you may have seen a few Eugene natives trying to put their little town on the world map. Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the couple of hundred peaceful protesters that made the journey north. Rather it was the actions of a small group of ski mask wearing twits calling themselves Anarchists that made more than a few headlines this month.
Back in June, Eugene's Anarchists tried to organise a peaceful march through downtown, only for it to end up in tear gassed mayhem. Seems like they are looking for a higher quality of tear gas in Seattle. I have a question for you. Why do Anarchists try to organise anything? Surely this is a contradiction in terms, no?
Anyway, moving onto this month's news...
Sports
Football
If you thought college football season was over, think again. The University of Oregon Ducks have one last game in the Sun Bowl against Minnesota in El Paso, Texas. The game is on December 31st, so you can guarantee there will be more than a few fans getting pickled before the Millennium celebrations begin.
Culture/Music
Turn of the Century Show
For those interested in getting nostalgic as the Millennium draws to a close, the Lane County Historical Museum (740 West 13th Ave) is holding a special exhibit from Nov 24 to Dec 31. Here you can check out what life was like in this pioneer state 100 years ago to the present.
Tuba Carol Concert
Despite the name, all sorts of brass intruments will be pelting out your Christmas favourites in this free concert on December 11th. This event, which apparently "attracts over 150 musicians from several cities", will be held in Broadway Plaza downtown from 1pm. I imagine you'll be able to hear it long before you find it.
Festivals
Festival of Lights
There are a number of events that involve taking to the streets of Eugene at night to "ooh" and "ahh" at the Christmas light displays put on by folk with too much time on their hands and no fear of exposed electrical wires combined with rainwater.
The local bus service, LTD will take passengers on a JoyRide tour for a very reasonable $2.50. This event will take place on December 18-21, departing at 6:30 and 8pm.
The 4th Annual Festival of Lights, organised by the local Lions Clubs, runs from December 10-26. For $5 per car, you can drive around Orchard Point County Park and check out the thousands of holiday lights and displays.
A little less organised and more expensive is the event advertised by the Petersen Barn Community Center on December 21st. For $9, you can share an evening with friends at an early dinner and then take to the streets of Eugene/Springfield, and I quote, "in search of Holiday lights".
Winter Solstice Celebration - December 21st
You can celebrate the shortest, darkest day of the year at the University's Museum of Natural History. Hot cider, cookies and speakers on astronomy, birds and cultural celebrations, all for $5.
On December 22nd, you can join storyteller Daniel Ray at Mt Pisgah for an informal celebration of the solstice. Again, hot cider will be served and there is a suggested $2 donation.
Pure Eugene
Create a Snowman Workshop
Ordinarily, this might not seem so unusual, except for the fact that it DOES NOT SNOW IN EUGENE!! This workshop on December 11th says you must come prepared to have fun and no previous sewing skills are required. I think I'll pay the $10 just to see how you sew a snowman in a place that has no snow.
The Millennium
As if you have not heard enough about it already. Yes, we know that December 31 heralds the end of the last thousand years and if the doomsayers are correct, we could be in for some interesting fun and games come January 1, 2000. But we just wanna party, right?
Ignoring all the ridiculously priced black tie functions going on around town, the rest of us can enjoy the First Night Eugene 2000. This event is in its fifth year and runs from 4pm until after midnight. There will be 17 entertainment venues around downtown, music, food stalls, visual arts, a procession and, of course, a fireworks show.
This is a family event and there will be no alcohol sold within the event.
That's it for this month. I hope the rest of 1999 sees you well and 2000 takes you to the destination you've always dreamed of going to.
Questions?
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