You can almost smell the kettle corn, elephant ears and barbecue wafting up 13th Avenue.
The Spring ASUO Street Faire runs Wednesday, May 6, through Friday, May 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Not all vendors open at 10 a.m. and the event closes at 5 p.m. Friday.
Local performers and unique art, food and gifts from small businesses across Oregon will be just some of truck and booth occupants along East 13th Avenue and at the Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater on the Eugene campus.
“This spring, we are happy to feature a mix of long-standing favorites and new experiences. This includes the return of many of Eugene and Oregon residents’ favorite vendors, radio programming from KWVA, and new performances from various student groups and the School of Music and Dance’s Art Cart,” said organizers Melissa Perez Palestino, ASUO executive secretary of student engagement events, and Isabella Souza, ASUO executive secretary of media.
“We are also excited to incorporate speeches by students on the history of the street fair and other movements organized by students and workers on campus. We look forward to seeing the community come together for three days of festivities and hope to see everyone there!”
Most-wanted treats
When asked about their favorite thing or special memory about the Street Faire, Wally Morris, a swing shift custodial services coordinator said, “The time I bought what was literally a deep-fried flour tortilla when I was expecting an elephant ear. Should have known the line was shorter at that cart for a reason.” He looks forward to the deep-fried Oreos all year.
“I love the chocolate-covered bananas!!” Natalie Smith from TRIO Student Support Services exclaimed.
“I go with my office mates, and I try to spread my purchasing around across different vendors each time,” said Tammany Kramer from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. “Last time I got some very cool art from Paz Mendez Art, which I have hanging in my office.”
Where did the bike racks go?
Before the event happens, a lot of logistical pieces must fall into place. On or near April 27, the ASUO Executive Faire Team labels bike racks along East 13th Avenue between University and Kincaid streets to warn bicycle and scooter riders that the racks will be removed May 4. Removal is done by staff from Campus Planning and Facilities Management. Riders can look for other racks on the UO Campus Map.
East 13th Avenue and the streets around the EMU will be congested May 5 as vendors settle into their spots between 7 a.m. and noon. During the event, pedestrian traffic (foot, wheelchair, scooter, skates and bicycles) will be allowed at a “slow roll” (less than 5 mph) with caution and redirected to the street. In most cases, the sidewalks will be blocked. People should be aware of the bottleneck between the Friendly Hall construction project and Collier House. Riders can review other official bike routes on the UO Campus Map.
Beginning May 11, all bicycle racks, scooter racks and traffic bollards will be reinstalled.
The biannual event is organized by the Associated Students of the University of Oregon and has been a local favorite for more than 50 years. Last spring’s fair was canceled. Proceeds help to fund food security endeavors for UO students.
—Jennifer Archer, University Communications