Slug Parade '13

All summer I have longingly waited for the Eugene Celebration parade. It's one of my favorite things about living in this crazy little town. This year, I have to say I was a little disappointed. My memory seems to think that last year's parade was a little more controversial (perhaps because it was an election year...) and yet this year I took far more pictures. I'm having a hard time choosing what to leave out, so forgive the excessive collection below. There's just no way to sum it all up in words.

I took about 18 pictures of Aeryn and the other kids sitting on the curb and her eyes are closed in every single one. There was a bunch of normal parade stuff, anti-coal trains, private schools advertising by focusing on compost and from-scratch kitchens rather than academic merit, cool bikes, hula hoops, and other stuff.



When this bus came by it was really unclear why. There were no signs telling us who or what they were so we were all left to our own devices to figure it out. Our devices must have failed because we never did. Crazy painted buses like this aren't exactly an uncommon sight here.



This guy is hilarious. I'm pretty sure I have a picture of him almost exactly like this from last year's parade.

As soon as I saw this float I was really disappointed that we didn't have the idea first. I mean, disco glitter pirates? Awesome.

 

This was my dream come true! I had heard that the nudist colony sometimes made appearances and last year it was really disappointing that they didn't come. Though a lady sitting near us ran up and looked over the box and as fate would have it they weren't exactly nude in there. So much for reliable advertising! The part I find interesting is the "first day free" sign. So, people actually pay money to sit around nekked all day? Interesting.

The bellydancers were great, but I liked the husbands of the belly dancers pulling a float with the gypsy band even better.

In case you ever wondered if there was a place where these crazy clothing options were displayed proudly, there is.

Of course some Monty Python...

I wouldn't doubt if more baby carriers are sold per capita here than in any other city in the country. It seems babies are always attached to their moms hip - even in marching band.

Aeryn loved the greyhounds. There were a dozen or so of them dressed in tutus and suits. The poor dogs. I think they looked like living, breathing playthings to her.

And the appearance of the slug!! I never did see this year's slug queen. If we end up here long term I am seriously going to look into how to become the person holding the posterboard salt shaker and chasing the slug. That has to be the best job in the parade.

Eugene is filled with custom bicycles, but these were promoting DaVinci days in Corvallis. We've heard awesome things about this and are determined to go at some point.

In closing, what has become completely representative of Eugene in my eyes: breastfeeding rights. It seems there are no limits to what is socially appropriate or what age nursing should stop. I'm getting somewhat accustomed to seeing ladies fully exposed in public places. 

Ah, Eugene. How interesting you are. What do you think next year's parade will bring?