Eeyore’s Birthday Party

There’s really no way to understand Eeyore’s Birthday Party until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. You’ll enjoy yourself if you are open to the ‘Austin way of life’.
To summarize, bring your:
1. costume (butterfly wings, face paint, steampunk, risqué, doesn’t matter, just keep in mind it’s hot out)
2. blankets (chairs are not really necessary, and are bulky on the bus)
No coolers allowed. just bring blanket and buy food there. camp out.
3. Bug spray, water and warm-​weather clothes. Be prepared to sweat.
3. Cash for buying food
4. Musical instrument, hoop or other diversion.
5. Stay all day but be prepared for dirty portapotties.
Everyone has their crowd here — hippies, beer drinkers, sporty outdoorsy types, nudists, musical types. People with wolf emblems on their tents. The hill was covered with people who camp out on blankets all day. There’s a drum circle, hooping, and outdoor activities like an egg toss. You could see someone practicing their whip skills around the corner. Everyone has their dog (or cat zipped inside a bike trailer).
As they say, «Please wear a costume». Last year’s Halloween costume totally works. Note, we saw at least 3 topless women, including those with painted breasts, and Eve. However, there are still kids here.
The food was all reasonably priced, despite the fact that Eeyore’s birthday party is a benefit. Buses were prompt and free and we took the one leaving from a city garage in central Austin.

And every other Jefferson Airplane song.

Another spring and Eeyore turns a young 49. Since this is an absolute must for me every year since 77, I always find something new. This year it was getting to know the name of the security guy who brings his horse. Tom Watkins. Tom, these past few years it has been just a great pleasure to see you with your beautiful steed. This time with your precious daughter perched up top. It was exhilarating to see you on the way out while you gave your horse a quick gallop with the your dogs running by your side. I had to whipe a little drool off Suzi’s chin.
I love the fact that I can get together with a few friends and volunteer our time to assist with the festivities. In the early days, that would be the late 70’s it was really just a beer fest with kegs everywhere and folks sitting around getting their drink on. It so so organized now a days it makes the day go so smoothly. Serving beverages is the way to go since you get to see most of the more colorful folks come by to say hi. This year was no exception, with the best costume definitely going to the guy with the High Phone costume. After our four hour shift we were able to go ahead and enjoy the rest of the day finding our friends and chilling out.
Found our usual Unilocalers, Jack and Veek hanging out by their usual place and visited for awhile. Met new friends and ran into some of the older ones we have known from years of Eeyores debauchery. It is a true Austin Festival, it’s free unless you want to imbibe in a beer, $ 4 and the inexpensive food options. But let’s not forget that this is also a massive fund raiser for 23 local charities. And every year, in true cool traditions… we leave the park cleaner than we found it.
Next year is going to be Eeyores 50^th… this will be a great bash indeed and if you want to volunteer all you need to do is to go their website and sign up. Hope to see you in 2013!