Huehca Omeyocan

Two weeks ago I went to see a demonstration of Aztec dancing and music at the Aloha Community Library.

It was definitely worth attending, but also they mentioned several more upcoming appearances, especially as the Day of the Dead approaches.

Today, October 12th, they are at the Washington County Museum for the Free Family Morning. They will be there until 1 PM. That doesn't allow a lot of time, but it is also worth noting that the museum also has an exhibit of artwork by Huehca Omeyocan member Eduardo Cruz on display.

http://www.washingtoncountymuseum.org/home/2019/10/03/free-family-mornings-experience-aztec-chichimeca-dance-art-and-ancient-instruments-with-huehca-omeyocan/

On October 26th they will be participating in a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Linfield College (Rutschman Field House) from 1 - 5 PM. I cannot find a link for that.

However, there is information online about the Portland Art Museum community celebration on November 2nd from 4 - 9 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/portland-art-museum/community-celebration-d%C3%ADa-de-muertos/293413464592728/

They also mentioned having ofrendas at each performance, as well as one at the Oregon Historical Society. (There is a different but related event there on October 22nd. https://ohs.org/events/sounds-of-the-living-and-language-death.cfm)

Even if these events is not possible, presentations can be scheduled through the group's Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/HUEHCAOMEYOCANMCMINNVILLEOREGON/

Rural Washington County Oregon - Oregon Heritage Farms

We recently enjoyed a visit to Oregon Heritage Farms.

While they are primarily an apple farm, they have tried growing pumpkins this year as a fundraiser for Hillsboro High School.

There are a lot of the usual opportunities for fall fun, like hay maze and rope mazes.

The spider web is a little less typical.

It is a fun place to look around...

and maybe go on a tractor ride.

The gift shop has decor and various products like apple butter, pies, and cider.

You can also sample different apple types before buying.

There is even a happy hour, where you can get a deal on cider and a doughnut.

Right now is a great time to visit. Today is Cider Fest, followed by Apple Fest next Saturday, each bringing additional entertainment.

Oregon Heritage Farms is located off of Scholls Ferry Road in Hillsboro.

https://www.oregonheritagefarms.com/

Portland, Oregon - Sellwood: Portland Puppet Musuem

The Portland Puppet Museum resides in an ordinary (though good-sized) house in a quiet Sellwood neighborhood, not far from Oaks Park.

As you enter there is some signage and explanation, but mainly there are just lots and lots of puppets.

The collection contains over 300 puppets.

The brochure indicates that they change the displays four times a year, allowing different puppets to be featured and seen.

There are larger puppets that are very ornate, but you can find life-size body puppets in the South Wing.

There are puppets that recall art styles and forms from other countries.

There are also some very familiar faces.

And some that are almost familiar, but not quite. (That does not look like King Friday, but that does look like Daniel Striped Tiger. However, there is also information about the influence of Mr. Rogers there, and that is nice.)

Some are more realistic and some are more fanciful.

Admission is free, and that may be for the best as the collection can be viewed very quickly.

However, where the museum may be at its strongest is with the extras, like viewing a play or workshop where children can make puppets.

Then appreciating the art becomes personally applicable.

The web site is not great, but it is worth checking out for those opportunities. In addition, there are some downloadable craft projects.

This Lamb Chop was a gift from Shari Lewis.

Some of the exhibits may be especially interesting for people who have seen them used in Tears of Joy productions.

http://www.puppetmuseum.com/

Hillsboro, Oregon - Next Level Pinball Museum

Okay, the outside signs say "shop" instead of "museum". Maybe it's more like a club. Whatever it is, it's awesome!

The more museum-like aspects include various types of collectibles and memorabilia on display.

My favorites for that were the walls of lunchboxes - every kind you could imagine.

But the purpose is really the game playing, with both video games and pinball games available.

From the web page, at last count there are 125 pinball games, and over well over 60 new and classic video games.

I played some classic Donkey Kong and some Rampage. Rampage was actually kind of stupid, but I think it would have been unfaithful to the movie otherwise. The original Rampage game sounds more interesting. The real revelation was the pinball.

I have tried playing pinball before, and I never got very far, running out of balls just as I was starting to get the hang of it. Here you pay a $15 admission, and then game play is free.

This gives you a chance to get the hang of things without worrying about running out of quarters or embarrassment. We were three beginners and we all had a good experience.

I started out with a few rounds of the South Park pinball game, and was thrilled to keep getting the Mr. Hanky bonus.

Of course, some games prove more challenging than others.

If you hit enough points from the different movies, you unlock things. I never quite made it - at least partly because I wanted to try a variety of different games - but I am left with optimism that I can. Shoot, I believe I might be able to someday figure out pachinko now. Maybe.

The one downside is that it was quite warm in there. Of course, we went in August, which could have been a factor. They did have water and cups available, as well as some vending machines. (So, even though playing does not require quarters, there is a change machine.)

However, when you pay your admission you get a wrist band and can come and go freely, to get some fresh air or to buy food... whatever you want.

So really, I guess it's more of a pinball club. An awesome one.

http://nextlevelpinballmuseum.com/