Florence Center Stage

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE

Inside:

Florence Area Chamber FRAA Rhody Arts Fest of Commerce’s Gymnastics Show 115th Rhody Days Rhody Flower Show Theater Auditions & more!

Featuring the Florence Events Center — A publication of the Siuslaw News

2022

INTRODUCING

Rhododendron Festival Court

Save the Date!

Coronation: Thursday, May 19th at 6:30pm Florence Events Center Tickets: $13 + FEC Processing Fee EventCenter.org | 541.997.1994

facebook.com/RhodyCourt

More Information about Rhododendron Events Visit: FlorenceChamber.com/Events EventsCenter.org

MAY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 3

115th Florence Rhododendron Festival is ‘Back In Bloom’

FLORENCE CENTER STAGE This monthly guide — published by the Siuslaw News, Florence Events Center and area partners — contains information on the arts, entertainment and events on the Central Oregon Coast. To submit, email editor@thesiuslawnews.com.

Great pageantry, civic pride, fabulous flowers and festival fun will mark the 115th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival May 18 to 22. Rhody Days is Oregon’s second-longest running floral festival.

According to Florence Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Bettina Hannigan, with the two-year absence, a lot of people are excited to get out and have a party.

This year’s festival gets underway Thursday, May 19, at noon with the Davis Shows Carnival at the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk and the 6:30

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p.m. coronation of Queen Rhododendra and the King of the Coast at the Florence Events Center.

The long weekend also features the annual Rhododendron Society Rhody Show, daily carnival games and rides, the 5K and 10K Rhody Run/Walk; the Rods N Rhodies Classic Car Show and Shine; the Maple Street vendor fair in Old Town, a quilt show, junior parade, Pinewood Derby and Sunday’s grand floral parade at noon on Sunday, May 22. Complete festival information can be found on Events tab of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s website, FlorenceChamber. com.

The Chamber, with its two-and-a-halfpaid staff and a massive team of volunteers, puts on the big event each year.

The highlight will be the grand floral parade at noon on May 22. It begins at 27th Street and Highway 101 and travels about three miles to and through Historic Old Town Florence.

This year’s grand marshals are the Siuslaw Vikings state champion football team and girl’s and boy’s state champion cross country teams.

Members of the Royal Rhododendron court have been selling official festival pins for $3 to raise money for scholarships. Pins are available at a number of merchants around town and at the chamber’s visitor center.

For more than 60 years, Davis Shows Northwest has pro-

vided the Rhododendron Festival with safe, fun family carnival rides, games and food. The carnival opens Thursday, May 19, at noon. Discounted all-day unlimited carnival passes are on sale now for $30. Buyers save $5 by buying passes at the chamber’s office, 290 Highway 101, until 3 p.m. on May 15. Passes will be $35 at the entry to the carnival on May 15.

The annual Maple Street Vendor Fair, beginning at the corner of Bay and Maple Streets in Old Town, is expected to feature more than 30 vendors and exhibitors. The vendor fair will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule is packed with fun for everyone. The 32nd annual 5K and 10K Rhody Run & Walk starts Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Participants can pre-register at EclecticEdgeRacing.com or on site beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The annual Pinewood Derby registration opens at 9 a.m. at Siuslaw Middle School and races begin at 11 a.m. The middle school is also the site for the 28th annual Rods N Rhodies classic car show & shine from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual kid’s Junior Parade, coordinated by the volunteer firefighters of the Siuslaw Fire District is Saturday at noon. There will be games with lots of prizes sponsored by the Florence Kiwanis Club at the end of the parade route at 27th and

Oak Streets.

The American Rhododendron Society’s Siuslaw chapter will again host the annual rhododendron and azalea show and plant sale at the Florence Events Center on Saturday and Sunday. The exhibition is open for anyone to display their flowers. Those wishing to enter their prized cultured or local wild rhodies must register Saturday, May 21, from 7 to 9 a.m. Judging will start promptly at 9. The show will open from 10 to 5 p.m. after completion of the judging and reopen at 10 a.m. Sunday. The plant sale starts at 10 both mornings.

There is more information on the plants and the event at siuslawars. org.

Also at the Florence Events Center will be the Florence Regional Arts Alliance’s 10th annual arts festival. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Classic rock band “Ruckus” performs Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight at Blue Bills inside the Three Rivers Casino Resort.

Hannigan says this year’s festival theme, “Back In Bloom” highlights the return after a partial two-year hiatus. “This town is ready to celebrate. Rhody Fest is the semi-official start to our tourism season.”

For more information on Rhododendron Festival events, visit FlorenceChamber.com.

4 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • MAY 2022

CROW needs adult males for ‘Charlie Brown’ CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops) announces auditions for three male roles in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Auditions will be held Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m., at the CROW Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence.

CROW is looking for adult males between the ages of 18 - mid 50s for the characters of “Linus,” “Schroeder” and “Charlie Brown.” No previous experience is required and CROW encourages all interested men to come and give it a try.

Since this is a musical, performers must be able to sing.

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie and his friends, as they play baseball, struggle with homework, send Valentines, sing songs and share friendship. The children in the beloved comic strip are played by adults, lending to the comedy and cha-

risma of this show, which was revived on Broadway in the late 1990s with Kristen Chenoweth as the character of “Sally.”

“Charlie Brown” will be directed and designed by Brian Sandahl and choreographed/assistant directed by Melanie Heard. The duo is excited to provide the community with another family-friendly, charming and uplifting musical comedy on the heels of the successful production of “Frozen Jr.” that closed in the end of April.

“Charlie Brown” will be performed on the mainstage of the Florence Events Center for two weekends in July — July 22 to 31.Rehearsals will be very limited and will take place weeknights, from June through the end of July.

For the audition, men should prepare a short song (please bring music on a device/MP3 player), bring a headshot and resume and be prepared to read from the script.

“We are looking for a cohesive cast that is ready to work hard and put the show together quickly and easily, with lots of heart and spirit,” said Heard.

The roles of Lucy, Snoopy and Sally have been cast.

CROW is a Florence-based 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to giving back to the community by providing quality performing arts experiences to both youth and adults.

Show sponsorship opportunities are available so interested businesses or individuals should contact CROW at 541999-8641 or crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com for more information.

“Our philosophy is that Florence needs more love, laughter and joy and we are excited to be able to provide it,” said Heard.

“Please share these auditions far and wide and help us find some great male cast members to help make this show possible.”

For information on CROW’s classes, summer camps and upcoming events, visit www.crowkids.com.

‘Time to Celebrate’ with gymnastics show

It’s time to do backflips! Participants can’t wait to get back on the stage and show off their skills at the 26th annual Gymnastics/Tumbling Spring Show, Thursday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Events Center. This is a chance to showcase Coastal Fitness gymnasts and tumblers of all ages.

“We have lots to celebrate this year,” organizers said. “Expect fun, laughter, music-filled tumbling routines and smiling kids. You will see a wide array of abilities, color, themes and fun.”

The show is choreographed by Program Director Deena Mitchell, Halle Anderson, Catrice Wescott, Tina Wilkinson, Angie Walls and Angie Johnston.

All performers featured have trained and been instructed at Coastal Fitness and Aquatics. Gymnastics, ninja and tumbling classes are offered to children ages 18 months and up.

Tickets are on sale now for “Time to Celebrate,” through the Florence Events Center Box Office or on the Florence Events Center Website. Tickets are $10/adult and $8/children under age 14.

For more information about the show or Coastal Fitness kid’s programs, summer camps and swim lessons, call Coastal Fitness at 541-997-8086.

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MAY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 5

Late Rhododendron Flower Show The City of Rhododendrons open to everyone at no cost and tion and placement of your

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is living up to its name. Flowers are in abundance all over town and we are anxious to share them and proud to be a part of the annual Rhododendron Festival.

Rhodies are resilient and should be at their best for the festival. The show is always

we encourage the community to bring their beautiful trusses to the Florence Events Center between 7 and 9 a.m. Saturday, May 21.

Members of the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society will be on hand to assist in identifica-

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prize-winning entrees.

A few basic guidelines to follow: select a truss with the straightest stem and the most completely open flowers but not past their prime. A full collar of leaves with minimal damage is as important as the flowers themselves.

This is your chance to win a blue ribbon or even a great trophy.

There will also be a plant sale during the show.

This is your opportunity to find that special Rhody you’ve been looking for to add to your collection.

If you have any questions, call Day Farrald at 541-590-3161.

6 • Arts & Entertainment • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • MAY 2022

Pizza • Burgers • Chicken

10th anniversaryIt of Rhody Days Arts Festivals Come help us celebrate! It’s has grown, with FRAA May 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

been 10 years since the “Art Fest” signs went up around the Florence Events Center for the Rhody Days Arts Festival in 2011, not counting a two-year time out for COVID.

(Florence Regional Arts Alliance) gaining more new artists as well as revisiting old friends.

Unique works of art and fine craftsmanship can be found at this year’s event, held Saturday,

Dust off your running shoes and get ready to rhody with Florence Habitat for Humanity! The Rhody Run is a USATF certified 5k/10k course and continues to be a Florence Rhododendron Festival tradition since 1979. This race is enjoyed by runners and walkers of all ages. People can also participate by volunteering to help race officials or line the streets to cheer on every runner and walker.

Fee is $25 for ages 18 and older, $20 for ages 13-17 and $15 for ages 12 and younger. A $5 additional fee is charged for race day registration.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.

and an awards ceremony is your best costume. Learn more scheduled for 10:15 a.m. at florencehabitat.org, 541-902Medals will be awarded for 9224 and Habitat ReStore, 2016 the top three in each of five age Highway 101. groups for both INSTANBUL RUG BAZAAR male and fe- WHOLE SALE RUGS TO PUBLIC male entrants.

AFTER 25 YEARS SERVING Rhody Run OREGON DIRECT FROM T-shirts are INSTANBUL TO FLORENCE available for MAY 13-16 $15 in advance 10AM-6PM of race day, $20 500 ONE-OF-A-KIND HANDWOVEN RUGS - KILIIMS on race day.

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MAY 2022 • FLORENCE CENTER STAGE • Arts & Entertainment• 7

Your time and talent matter to us!

Come make a difference as a vitally important vounteer at the Florence Events Center!

If quality entertainment, enriching cultural events, or the arts in general are important to you, come show your love and support to help keep the fabulous Florence Events Center fabulous.

The FEC and the nonprofit Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) are looking for volunteer leaders, doers, organizers, supporters, and cheerleaders to help at the FEC and support those who use it. If you are trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, vibrant, fun, and enthusias�c, you will make a difference at the Florence Events Center!

We have opportuni�es for volunteers of every aspect of our work—from �ckettakers, room setup, and fundraising to event booking/produc�on to sound, ligh�ng, and stage management. We’ll even provide training for the technical aspects of staging events!

Please contact the volunteer coordinator at the Florence Events Center to learn more about the impact you can make!

VOLUNTEER AT THE FEC! • Theater Assistants

• Florence Winter Music Festival

• Stage Crew

• Kiwanis Kids Concerts

• Event Crew

• Florence Festivals of Books

• Event Set-Up

• The Galleries at the FEC

• Sound Technicians

• FACE’s Famous Indoor Yard Sale

• Lighting Technicians

• Publicity & Advertising

• Reception/Office Crew

• Performance Grant Committee

The Florence Events Center 541-997-1994 715 Quince Street • Florence OR 97439 EventCenter.org FlorenceArts.org

Presented by RODS N RHODIES Inc.*

Support the Florence Transportation Solutions Program and Suislaw Valley Fire & Rescue Hosted by The Rhody Cruisers

SIUSLAW MIDDLE SCHOOL 2525 OAK ST, FLORENCE

SATURDAY MAY 21st Show 9am-3pm Awards 2pm

FREE Admission to Spectators

Open to:

Classics Customs Hot Rods Rat Rods Musclecars Trucks & 4WD Jeeps British Cars

Lots to see & Do!

Music All Day Food Vendors 50/50 Drawing Opportunity Drawings All Day Pinewood Derby Special Exhibits

Over 25 Award Categories!

Please Support Our Show Sponsors!

Please Support Our Show Sponsors!

*Rods N Rhodies Inc is a 501 (c) Registered Non Profit