Celebrating 25 years.

Byline: The Register-Guard

It was a peculiar time to inaugurate a celebration. In 1983 Eugene's economy had been flattened by a collapse of the wood products industry. Unemployment was in double digits, property values were falling, the entire state was losing population. But in the midst of dark days, it's important to find occasion for fun, levity and joy - and if no such occasion can be found, it's necessary to invent one. And so, 25 years ago, the Eugene Celebration was born.

A Register-Guard editorial expressing mild surprise at the success of the first Eugene Celebration described a familiar-sounding event:

"Downtown filled with thousands of people and proved that it's a grand place for a community toot.

"Merchants chipped in with supplies, restaurateurs showed up with food and drink and the whole three-day event was rife with loggers logging, magicians mystifying, bands parading, entertainers entertaining, spoofers spoofing and - who knows? - probably even lords a-leaping.

"Into this milieu came thousands of Eugeneans (and undoubtedly a lot of non-Eugeneans) who strolled, ate, drank, laughed, applauded, gawked and, in general, had a whopping good time."

The celebration has changed over the years, but the event retains its original DNA. It's still an occasion for greeting only-in-Eugene people and events with applause. It's still a time to be reminded of how easy it is to find good food and hear good music in Eugene. It's still a Northwest version of Mardi Gras, where people not in the habit of dancing or parading dance and parade. Above all, it's a world-class people-watching venue.

The celebration has on occasion struggled, both financially and in terms of its identity. Both appear to have found firm footing in recent years. One key decision has been to keep admission affordable. That has been done, with a $10 bracelet good for admission on all three days.

Another has been to focus on local entertainment. That's a good move, regardless of financial considerations - the Eugene Celebration should be a showcase for local talent, of which there is an abundant supply.

A third and continuing effort involves finding ways to celebrate all of Eugene, not just a few stripes of the rainbow. A film festival, a classic car cruise-in and the inclusion of hip-hop music are all aspects of this effort. It's essential that this struggle to broaden participation in the celebration continue. Not only should Eugene residents of every age, lifestyle and political inclination feel welcome at the celebration, it's important to have an event that stirs together all of the ingredients in Eugene's cultural stew.

After the first Eugene Celebration, it was far from certain there would be a second. Now there have been 25, and the event has become such a civic institution that it seems reasonable to expect a 50th. With sunny skies in the forecast, 80 bands scheduled to play and hot-air balloons ready for launch, it's easy to take this year's theme - lighten up - to heart.