The Official
UnOFFICAL
Florence Mascot
2023
Exploding
Whale
Trail
Week of November 5th to
November 12th
2023 Exploding
Whale Trail
It’s that time of year again, when the community of Florence and cult exploding-whale lovers across the globe memorialize the famous whale occurrence. It happened one fateful afternoon on the shores of Florence, fifty-two years ago, November 12,1970.
A public 52nd Anniversary Exploding Whale Memorial celebration is planned Saturday, November 12th from 12noon to 8 p.m. at Homegrown Public House and Brewery, 294 Laurel Street in historic Florence Old Town. The celebration is open house style, family friendly, a little quirky; a lotta fun.
From 12noon - 3 p.m. come out to meet tide-pool expert, Jamie Kish, from the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve Collaborative and representatives from the Elakha Alliance & Surfrider Foundation who will be present to share about local marine efforts and natural habitats.
Don’t miss the 2 p.m. public toast to the whale and meet special mer-guest, Mermaid Shannon, who will be giving a reading and signing of her children’s book, Turtles want Teammates, which will also be for sale. Come and take advantage of photo opportunities with this real live mermaid and maybe even a Merman throughout the afternoon. Florence’s official-unofficial whale mascots, Flo and Rence will also be present to visit and take photos with. There will also be a 6 p.m. public toast. Merman Dan will also be arriving from the Atlantic!
All are encouraged to bring small offerings and homages to the whale to be placed at the art installation on the east side of Homegrown. The exhibit is meant to be fanciful, fun and will naturally evolve throughout the day into the evening when it glows with lights and the reflections of the colorful contributions. Wearing whaley fun costumes is encouraged too.
Don’t miss a visit to the Exploding Whale exhibit at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum across the street from Homegrown at 278 Maple Street, open from 12noon - 4 p.m. The exhibit has actual whale bones from the honored whale and the museum is full of interesting Florence historical displays. Also, check out the Whale Trail Map of Florence businesses offering activities and whaley cool items for sale to commemorate the occasion. The Whale Trail map and ongoing whale event news is posted on the event website, ILoveFlorence97439.com, on their Facebook page @ILoveForence97439 and will also be available at the event.
For more event scoop or to join The Whale Trail contact BeauxArts Fine Art Materials at 541-991-8213 Email WhaleGoBoom97439@gmail.com
DOWNLOAD PDF of Whale Trail HERE
Our
Sponsors
Get to Know Our Sponsors
This event is supported by the generous contributions from:
ABOUT
History
On November 9th 1970, a 45 foot ~8ton sperm whale washed ashore on the South Jetty in Florence, Oregon.
The beach location was under the jurisdiction of Oregon Department of Transportation, née Oregon Highway Division. Ideas to assist decomposition lead to the idea to blow up the whale. A charge of one-half short ton (lots) of dynamite was selected to break the carcass down and distribute pieces for nature to continue the decomposition process.
Detonation was at 3:45pm on November 12th, 1970.
The explosion threw whale flesh around 800 feet in a hemisphere of directions.
Needless to say, the idea didn’t really work as desired, BUT most importantly, we celebrate this historical event for many reasons.
Unfortunately, in 1979, 41 sperm whales beached nearby on the same beach, state parks officials burned and buried them.
Purpose
You may wonder why celebrate something that seems disgusting or not something to celebrate?
Over the past few years, more & more people and businesses have wanted to participate in a celebration. This celebration covers many things:
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Cultural event that has lived on for more than 50 years!
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Lesson on learning from our mistakes
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Celebrate nature, our environment and it’s processes
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A debacle that has turned into a local legend AND known world wide
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Honoring history, even the absurd
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Channels morbid curiosity into a positive channels that support local flavor
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Promotes economic prosperity
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A community pride event
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Helps fund local arts & cultural activities
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etcetera
Learn more about the Exploding Whale at the Siulsaw News location on the Whale Trail.
2022 Community Partners
Activities & Promotions
November 7th to November 12th
Contact individual business for current information,
as these may change without notice or while supplies last.
All Week*Even Month
The Market at Driftwood Shores*
All month long! The Market at Driftwood Shores is honoring The Whale by offering a special Exploding Whale Burger - between two 1/4 beef patties & bun, you will experience cheddar cheese, bacon, sausage, jalapeno popper, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickle with spicy mayo and choice of side ($18).
88416 1st Avenue
541-902-6447
DriftwoodShores.com/the-market
Daily, 7am - 7pm
Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center
10% off guest room rates during the week of Sun, Nov 6th thru Sun, Nov 13th. Not applicable with other discounts. Mention “The Exploding Whale Rate” and must call hotel direct to make reservation.
88416 1st Avenue
541-997-8263
Nov. 6 thru Sun, Nov 13
Jerry’s Place, Home of What’cha Brewing
3rd Annual hand painted commemorative beer mug with beer included for $20.
88274 Rhododendron Drive
541-997-3815
Daily, 11am to 11pm or later
Exploding Whale Swag (T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Stickers, Pins, etc..) that supports local arts activities. Art up your own whale with themed art project kits all week long!
2285 Highway 101, Suite H
541-99-8213
Tuesday to Friday, Noon to 5pm & Saturday, Noon to 4pm
Whale Themed Iron-on for $5, bring your own garment (t-shirt, tote bag, etc...), we will apply while you wait!
1790 Highway 101
541-590-3877
sassflo.com
Thursday-Saturday 11am-6pm
All Month & Longer – Enjoy the “Exploding Whale” Soda!!! Blue Raspberry flavored (to represent the ocean) and BURSTING Strawberry Boba (to represent the exploding guts). Try it as an energy drink too!
813 Highway 101
541-991-8855
Daily, 6am- 5pm
Window display of local exploding whale history and information.
148 Maple Street
TheSiuslawNews.com
Virtual Promotions
RAIN (Regional Accelerator Innovation Network)*
Are you a business owner or a dreamer exploding with business ideas? Look no further, RAIN is here to help! Connect with your local Venture Catalyst or Entrepreneur-In-Community to get started!
OregonRain.org
All Month Long Special offer - Exploding Whale Backflow Test that comes with a 20% discount to be used for your next annual backflow test.
acutabovecontractingllc@gmail.com
541-868-5770
acutabovecontractingllc.com
By Appointment
All Month - 10% off sessions booked during the month of November (sessions won’t be available until after January). Just mention our infamous exploding whale!
541-999-5830
ReneeWalkerPhoto.com
Exploding Whale Memorial Bouquet: Blue & white flowers uniquely arranged in a glass vase for $45 ($60 Value).
541-999-9555
TruckFullofPosies.com
November 7th
City of Florence Proclamation
Council Chambers City Hall
250 Highway 101 at 5:30pm
Event Info HERE
November 9th
Date of the Exploding Whale
arriving in Florence 52 years ago
November 12th - The 52nd Anniversary Date
Homegrown Public House & Brewery
Community Memorial Location (art altar) featuring Exploding Whale Pale Ale, Amazing Food & Beverage Menu, Photobooth, Exploding Whale Swag Supporting Local Arts
294 Laurel Street
541.997.4886
homegrownpublichouse.com &
@HomegrownPub
11am to 8pm
Noon to 3pm
Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve Collaborative
Elakha Alliance, SurfRiders & Book Signing, and Meet & Greet with Mermaid Shannon
2pm – Toast to Whale
3:45pm - Actual Explosion 52 years ago
6pm – Toast to Whale
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Exploding Whale Exhibit, a must see across the street from Homegrown!
278 Maple Street
Noon - 4 pm
Do You Feel Different (Products in Crystal Aloha)
Free Mini Numerology Reading
1421 Bay Street
JadeRehder.com
11am to 5pm
Refreshments will be served (cheese & wine), live music and 52% on selected earrings, necklaces and paintings!
1458 1st Street
Noon to 5pm
Get 10% Off Any Purchase in the Store!
1341 Bay Street Suite F
541-337-3909
FlorenceSurfCo.com
11am-6pm
All beach themed are items 20% off!
129 Maple Street
541-991-7739
November 12th & 13th, 11am-5pm
Discount on PLANET LUXE eco friendly products!
494 Highway 101
@Austentatious_494
11am to 6pm
Exploding Whale t-shirts, stickers, cupcakes! Come visit us and check out our whale of a tale items…plus our sustainable refill station of home goods, decor and special gift items.
1745 15th Street
541-991-3457
9am to 4pm
Chair massage and foot massage on drop-in basis $15 for 20 minutes!
508 Kingwood
541-991-8422
Banyapacifica.com
Noon to 4pm
Florence Habitat ReStore will host a Whale of Sale! Look for the whale tags for special savings. When you are ready to purchase your items, select a whale card from the waves, each card will reveal special prizes or discounts.
2016 Highway 101
541-997-5834
9am -5pm
Receive 15% off our 13oz bags of coffee! Free local delivery. Only available online visit our website CoffeeStainedCreations.com!
