Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Eugene's Hidden Talent

Korrin B.

October 17, 2009 - 9:00 PM

What I love about Eugene and about going to school here is that there is always something new and unexpected that happens to pop up somewhere. There is such a diverse amount of skill that is woven throughout this community. Who knows what the people of Eugene are really into? They always seem to surprise me. Of course there are the bike enthusiasts who go cycling only in double-digit miles. And we are all aware of the sports enthusiasts that fill the streets by Autzen and MacCourt each year. Many of us are also familiar with the earth-loving dancers that find their true passion while spinning in circles at the Saturday Market to some hidden bongo beat. However, I doubt that everyone knows of another section of Eugene, full of passion and extreme devotion. I didn't know about this unique group of people until just this Friday.

I was on my way over to Tracktown to indulge myself in their lunch buffet with some friends. Pause. This needs to be talked about a little more. First of all, Tracktown has some of the best pizza in all of Eugene. Secondly, their lunch buffet offers you the chance to eat as much of their fabulous pizzas as you can, sampling all different sorts of flavors. Third, and last, students get a discount - woot! Ok, back to where we were going...

I was driving down Agate Street and happened to look to my right as I was passing by Agate Hall. In front of Agate Hall, I saw a large sign. I had to do a double take. I was so excited. The sign read, "Ukulele Festival." How is this my fourth year at the University of Oregon, but only my first year noticing that we host an annual Ukulele Festival? I shared my excitement with my friends once I got to Tracktown, but I'm not sure they thought it was quite as cool as I was making it out to be. I tend to find quirky events like this very compelling. I imagine some day I will become one of those old ladies that just goes and hangs out at various different expos happening at my local fairgrounds.

Anyway, the point is, my curiosity would not cease and I had to go explore this. This summer, one of my coworkers at the Fresh Air Fund (who later also became my travel buddy in New York City), played the ukulele. She was awesome at it and so passionate about it! She carried it with her where she went and her love for this cheerful instrument was something to be envious of. If for nothing else, I had to see this festival for her!

After lunch, I convinced one other friend to go over there with me. She had to take some photographs for her journalism class anyway, so why not take them of ukuleles? I was enthralled by all of the people I saw walking toward Agate Hall, carrying nothing else but ukuleles! I walked behind a man for quite a ways who was carrying two ukuleles and whistling a very jolly song.

Inside Agate Hall were tons and tons of different styles of ukuleles and the people who love them. There was also a class being taught on ukulele playing techniques. I looked at the schedule and saw that in the evening there would also be a ukulele concert! I gazed around the room in awe. Who knew that there were so many ukulele enthusiasts in little Eugene, Oregon? I love this city's randomness.