23 April 2014
Rhody Grand Marshall Announced
Things will have a decidedly “western” slant during the 107th annual Rhododendron Festival next month. Chamber Executive Director Cal Applebee says the theme this year is a play on words.
Cal Applebee – “Not our first Rhody-Oh!”
And, keeping with the western theme: The Grand Marshall…
Cal Applebee – “Dennis Foley from the Eugene Pro Rodeo Circuit and their pro rodeo queen are going to be joining us, bringing over the western flair to fit in with our theme.”
Rodeo Queen Kayla Wood and princess Mikaela Standifer are also expected to make an appearance, along with several other fixtures of the Eugene Pro Rodeo over the festival weekend. Applebee says entries for the Grand Floral Parade on May 18th are coming in regularly.
Cal Applebee – “Almost at 50 parade entries, as we speak. We have eight bands totaling over 800 marchers that have registered thus far. It’s going to be a spectacular show this year.”
The Rhody Court Scholarship Showcase is Wednesday, May 7th; the festival itself is May 16th through the 18th.
On With the Green Show
“Living green” is much more than just a catch phrase. Once thought of as a “counter-culture” or “alternative lifestyle”, the concept has become firmly entrenched and has even become a major marketing theme.
But, the implementation of the “green” lifestyle is still difficult for many people.
That’s one reason for this weekend’s fifth annual Green Fair at the Florence Events Center. Visitors to the show will get plenty of tips and ideas on how to lessen their impact on the environment. The first 500 through the doors will get a free package of energy efficient light bulbs from Central Lincoln PUD.
The show itself is presented by the Siuslaw News and Coast Radio in partnership with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
It’s Saturday from ten to four.
50 Cents a gallon increase in 60 days…
The average cash price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence has jumped by more than 50-cents in the past 60 days. Just in the past week, it’s gone up by ten cents on average and is currently at $3.72.
The rise has been similar across the rest of the state according to Triple-A. Oregon’s average price increased eight cents in the past seven days to $3.83.
The rise has been less nationally; going up only two cents in the past week to $3.67.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says increases in April have pushed the average prices higher than they were last year at this time. She expects the Oregon average price to top out at around $3.90 a gallon sometime next month before beginning a gradual decline over the summer.
The Bard on the Boards in Florence
The Lane Community College Theater Department will be bringing their presentation of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the stage at the Florence Events Center for one Show this weekend. Theater critic Dorothy Velasco says it’s a great “first time” experience for those who have seen little or no Shakespeare. The play offers a glimpse into the fairy world, the Royals of ancient Athens, and the working class.
Dorothy Velasco – “You’ve got these three different worlds that interconnect and they’re all clear and they’re recognizable. And, ultimately they’re very good hearted. It’s a happy, sleek message of love that everyone can understand. And, it’s full of humor, it’s just so funny.”
One thing about the Bard that can be scary for some is the dialogue. That’s something Velasco says the Director has paid special attention to.
Dorothy Velasco – “People are afraid of Shakespearian language. They think they’re not going to understand it. One thing that this director, Judith Roberts stresses is clear pronunciation and clear understanding of the language.”
The first act is about 90 minutes, and Velasco says it may be tough to keep the attention of young children. But, there’s also plenty of action. The curtain rises at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the FEC… tickets are $15 in advance for adults; $8 for students and seniors.