The Society for the Legitimization of the Ubiquitous Gastropod (S.L.U.G.) is the very much "un-organization" of the unofficial goodwill ambassadors for the city of Eugene, Oregon—the SLUG Queens. Please visit our website. Each year a new Queen is crowned on the second Friday in August, following costuming, performing, bribery, and jolly festivities. The crowned Queen spends their “rain” engaging with our community, representing Eugene’s quirk.

Many decades ago, our first Parade Slug regally lead the Eugene Celebration parade and did so for many years. Its demise (by wear and tear and falling off a moving truck on Beltline) in 2017 was tragic. After decades of devoted service making Eugeneans beam with pride, we sadly bid adieu. What are your SLUG Queens going to do now? Get busy of course.

Your SLUG Queens are leading the sluggacious effort to create a SHINY NEW PARADE SLUG that will bring glee and glory to the streets of Eugene. With initial help from the City of Eugene Public Arts fund, we are in the build out process and need to match or exceed our original funding of $8,000.

Our team—Eugene metal sculptors Joe Mross of Archive Designs and Matt Burney of So Metal—and with input from Co-Motion Cycles founder Dwan Shepard, realized an EV cargo trike would be the perfect solution to power our new Parade Slug. And like magic (and through kindnesses afforded us by Michael Backus, his friend Blue Trimarchi, and his brother-in-law Richard), we found one that fits the bill and gets us underway, though we need to purchase a new battery. Matt and Joe have built the articulated drive train and designed the armature. Still to construct is the framework and a wondrously illuminated and glimmering skin, led by costumer designer Axel Dazee. Thanks to Allison Straub at Burley, we plan to add three Baby Slugs to the family using their graciously donated bike trailers.

We're getting close to realizing our dream and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Contribute to our Parade Slug fund so this glorious project will be ready to inspire and awe at the 2027 EUGENE BRiGHT Parade.

Yes, that's right, it's a night parade because, of course, that's when slugs come out and SLIME!

Lane Arts Council is a 501c3 non-profit and serves as a fiscal sponsor for this project. EIN 93-0681430