53rd Exploding Whale Celebration & Commemoration

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-three years ago, November 12,1970.

A public 53rd Anniversary Exploding Whale Memorial celebration is happening Saturday, November 12th from 12noon to 6 p.m. at Homegrown Public House and Brewery, 294 Laurel Street in historic Florence Old Town. The celebration is free, family friendly, open house style, a little quirky, very artsy and a lotta fun.

From 12noon - 3 p.m. come out to meet representatives from marine based and do-gooder agencies, sharing information, including a presence from the Eugene Emeralds, who featured the ever-popular Exploding Whale alternate identity uniforms all season long. Florence’s official-unofficial whale mascots, Flo and Rence will also be present to visit and take photos with.

Don’t miss the 3:45 p.m. public toast to the whale.

All are encouraged to bring small offerings and mementos to the whale to be placed at the art installation on the east side of Homegrown. The exhibit 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 Public House 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, xplodingwhale.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

#whalegoboom2023