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The time period “Keep Austin Weird” has turn into overly used, and a few would say Austin’s “weirdness” is rising more and more exhausting to seek out, with the mass inflow of these from different areas bringing their normality to city. Luckily with occasions like Spamarama, the shrine often known as the Cathedral of Junk, and the annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party, the town’s weirdness shines.
In 1978, David Arnsberger, Dick Terry, and George Majewski shared some beer and an idea- they have been bored of chili and BBQ cook-offs, and thought it will be extra spectacular if individuals might make one thing like Spam style scrumptious, and Spamarama was born. Today, the Spam cook-off is split into knowledgeable division for eating places and caterers, and the open division for most of the people. Not solely do superstar judges give trophies to one of the best tasting entries, like Spam flautas and Spam Cordon Bleu, however a “Worst of Show” trophy can also be handed out to gadgets like Spam-Alama Ding Dongs.
Though yearly there’s a Spam Eating contest, in 2004, the International Federation of Competitive Eating sponsored the occasion, and introduced aggressive eaters from across the nation to enter the problem. Rich LeFevre gained that yr, ending off six 12 ounce spamburgers in 12 minutes. Other occasions are enjoyable for the entire household, such because the Spam toss, the Spam can relay, and the Spam call- akin to the hog name.
Down in deep south Austin, at 4422 Lareina Drive, lives a humble man by the identify of Vince Hannemann. Hannemann lives in a modest residence, and also you’d by no means know his yard homes the Cathedral of Junk. He started to construct the cathedral in 1988, as a result of it was enjoyable, and it is develop into his ardour ever since. It’s made from improvised trusses that Hannemann has wrapped with wire and coated with over 60 tons of junk, starting from discarded bicycles and lawnmowers to beer indicators and unrecognizable flashing digital elements. Wind generators prime two minarets, and as soon as contained in the cathedral, one can climb to totally different ranges, or sit within the throne room and take within the vaulted ceilings. Many individuals deliver alongside their very own discarded gadgets in hopes that it’ll turn into a part of the cathedral, however Hannemann is a discerning builder, and solely takes gadgets he likes. The Cathedral of Junk has hosted occasions from weddings to bachelor events, and CD launch events to high school youngsters on subject journeys. Hannemann works in the course of the week, however permits anybody to cease by on the weekends to stroll round his yard.
In 1963, UT English professor Lloyd Birdwell Jr. held a picnic on the UT campus for his college students earlier than ultimate exams. The picnic’s theme revolved across the Winnie the Pooh character Eeyore. There was a garbage can filled with lemonade, a slew of honey sandwiches, a donkey draped in flowers, and a maypole on the picnic. Eeyore’s Birthday Party was born. Since then, it has been an annual custom, and moved to its present location in Pease Park in 1974.
Today, the maypole and the donkey are nonetheless current at Eeyore’s Birthday Party, and the occasion is run by the Austin non-profit group, Friends of the Forest, who arrange native distributors for food and drinks, and distribute the cash introduced in amongst native charities. Many costume clad Austinites present up on the final Saturday in April. There are video games for teenagers to play, stay music, and the ever current drums circles, typically numbering within the lots of. Eeyore’s Birthday has develop into so widespread that Friends of the Forest started bussing in attendees from downtown, because of the lack of parking close to the occasion.
Spamarama, the Cathedral of Junk, and Eeyore’s Birthday Party all have one factor in common- all of them started by individuals out to have enjoyable. They are all distinctive, and have grown to turn into Austin establishments, and are really holding Austin bizarre.
