Homer wants you: Organizers have big plans for this year

By Brenna Wiegand

Perhaps the best thing about Silverton’s annual Homer Davenport Community Festival the first weekend in August is a chance to see and catch up with lots of friends, old and new, all in one place. For that matter, the festival is also a gathering together of a surprisingly diverse, almost dizzying array of things to see and do.

Making it Happen: The leadership of Silverton Rotary Club, the generosity of sponsors like Silverton dentist Michael Kim and a dedicated team of volunteers are producing a top-notch Homer Davenport Community Festival this year. There are opportunities for everyone to become a part of the community team and the culture that makes Homer go even now. Businesses can sponsor or partner; individuals can volunteer in any number of ways or enter the events – and everyone can help make the festival a success by coming down to Coolidge & McClaine Park to eat, drink and dance to the music! For volunteer opportunities, contact [email protected] or call 503-873-5615.

Homer Davenport Community Festival Kick-Off Party, festival fundraiser, is 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 at Coolidge & McClaine Park and features Silverton’s own rising country music star Tiffany Kuenzi. Tickets: $15 includes a hamburger or chicken sandwich, coleslaw, baked beans and a beverage. Attend without dinner for a $5 donation.

Arts, Crafts & Healthy Food Fair adds fresh produce and other healthy fair this year, embracing Silverton’s rich agricultural heritage and the modern movement to “eat local” – nothing new in Homer’s day! These booths are separate from the food court. Apply for space by July 25 online, at Silverton Chamber of Commerce or the YMCA.

Silverton Lions Harvest Breakfast is the real deal, served up by the Lions Saturday and Sunday starting at 7 a.m. in the Park Pavilion, also the work of their hands.

Classic Historic Covered Bridge Run: Silverton Runner’s Club hosts scenic 8K run and 2-mile run and walk, 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, starting and ending, Olympic style, at Silverton High School Track; register at www.mtangel.net/matthew/homer.html or call 503-845-1801.

Homer Davenport Community Festival Parade is 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 through downtown Silverton. This year’s Grand Marshals are four generations of Davenport descendants coming from the Seattle area: Nancy Rose, Homer’s niece and T.W.’s granddaughter; her son, Dr. Timothy Rose; his son Maxwell with his family. The parade theme, “Honoring our Heritage” is also a salute to U.S. military veterans. Participants may register up to the day of the parade. Those entered by July 29 are eligible for judging; download application on Homer Web site or pick one up at Silverton Chamber of Commerce or check the back of the July 13 Mt. Angel Shopper.

Silverton Flywheels Club Cruise-In gathers a huge fleet of classic cars in top form for your browsing pleasure both Saturday and Sunday on the lawn just across the creek from the festival grounds. 503-873-2573.

All Aboard: Hitch a ride on trolleys circulating between downtown Silverton and the festival grounds, or hop aboard shuttles between the park and the back-in-time fun at GeerCrest Farm.

GeerCrest Farm: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., GeerCrest Farm & Historical Society, hosts back-to-our-roots activities on the family homestead of Homer’s mother Florinda Geer, where Homer spent many happy hours while growing up. Farm tours, pioneer exhibits and games, storytelling, memorabilia from the Davenport family and a look at the resident trio of Davenport Arabians. Silverton Trolley runs between park and farm; timetable at festival information booth. Suggested donation $2; kids five and under free. www.geercrest.org; 503-873-3406.

Best of the Davenport International Cartoon Contest: A collection from past years of some of the best entries from all over the world will be displayed at Silverton Art Center, located within the park.

Food Court & “Homer’s Saloon”: An array of food vendors and a beer garden with selections from Seven Brides Brewing offer something for every taste bud.

Live musical groups perform on the Main Entertainment Stage in the park every afternoon and evening.

Davenport Races: Starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, tricked-out, team-powered couches “speed” down Main Street, the races never disappointing in their capacity to entertain!

Silverton Poker Run: Beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, motorcycle enthusiasts cruise from Salem Harley-Davidson to the park to raise funds for Silverton Together; [email protected].

Ping Pong Ball Float: Help raise funds for the Silverton Hospital Auxiliary by purchasing $2 ping pong balls at the hospital booth, all will be released upstream into Silverton Creek at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7 and retrieved as they reach the festival area; prizes awarded.

Silverton High School Alumni Fundraiser & Reunion: gates open 4:30 p.m. Friday Aug. 5 at Cooley’s Gardens. View display gardens before joining fellow alumni for dinner, no-host bars, silent auction and drawings in a casual setting. Tickets, $30 in advance; $35 day of at Silverton Realty, 303 Oak St., Silverton. Must be 21. Seeking auction and cash donations; volunteers that night and during the festival at the alumni booth. Wear your orange and black and hop aboard the Alumni Association parade float! www.shsfoxes.com; 503-390-3816; or Judy Nunn [email protected].