Eeyore’s Birthday Party = An Austin Original

Every now and then, we like to take a break from talking plumbing and, instead, talk about what makes this area such a terrific place to call home. And if you’ve ever attended Eeyore’s Birthday Party, you’ll agree, it’s a true Austin original!The festival began in 1963 as a spring party and picnic for students of the Department of English at UT, organized by Lloyd W. Birdwell, Jr. and other UT students. It was named for Eeyore, not exactly the life of the party, since he is a chronically depressed donkey from A.A.Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories. In one of the stories, Eeyore believes his friends have forgotten his birthday, when they’re actually planning a surprise party for him.The original event featured a trashcan full of lemonade, beer, honey sandwiches, a flower-festooned live donkey, and a may pole. For many years, the party was a UT tradition, but eventually, the annual party became a tradition in Austin’s hippie subculture.When the festival moved from Eastwoods Park to Pease District Park in 1974, Austin-area non-profit Friends of the Forest Foundation, an organization which distributes funds to other area charities, began arranging for food and drink vendors at the festival. That must have done the trick! Thousands now show up for Eeyore’s big day!Bright and diverse costumes are recommended. Bring your camera; you never know what you’ll see! Plus there’s live music and a variety of vendors. Plus, in keeping with the original traditions of the event, a live donkey and a may pole are always present.Saturday, April 28, 2018, Pease Park 11:00 a.m. to dusk Children’s Area 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Music Stage 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Check www.eeyores.org for more information and frequently asked questions, rain delay and cancellation information. If the event is cancelled because of rain, the reschedule date is Saturday, May 5, 2018. We hope to see you at Eeyore’s Birthday Party! It’s good and weird.And if you need a plumber before then, we just happen to know someone reliable! Your neighborhood Cedar Park/ Austin plumber, Roger’s Plumbing is just a few clicks away! We’re here to serve, 24/7! Or call (737) 285-4346!