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Eeyore’s Birthday
It’s Eeyore’s Birthday, on the last Saturday in April, and this year it will be celebrated on April 27. The melancholic and often cynical character, in A. A Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” has for decades remained a beloved character in this childhood story. Lloyd Birdwell established this celebration and while it does not coincide with the donkey’s actual, fictional, birthday, the celebration does provide a fantastic platform for the Austin, Texas community to raise funds for deserving charities in the area. Access to the event is free, and fun for the entire family, and is held, every year since 1974 at Pease District Park.
HISTORY OF EEYORE’S BIRTHDAY
In 1926 a classic was born, A. A Milne published his collection of short stories, depicting an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winne the Pooh, his human friend, Christopher Robin, and a mixed collection of other animals, most notably on this special day, Eeyore. The animal that inspired such a great charity initiative in Austin, takes his queues and overall character from the unfortunate disposition of the stuffed donkey that he was modeled after, a long, heavy head and neck, left the stuffed donkey looking quite sad and depressed as the weight of both head and neck constantly had the donkey faced down at the ground.
The celebration of Eeyore’s “birthday” in Austin, Texas is unique to the area. Originally, the event was set up to distract students from “Dead Week,” however, over time the birthday party has grown into a massive charity event. The first time Austin celebrated Eeyore’s birthday, there was little more than a trash can filled with lemonade and beer, however, when the party moved from Eastwoods Park to Pease District Park, Friends of the Forest Foundation, a non-profit that supports local charities took over the production and management of the event.
Creating a space for food and drink vendors, adults, families, and sponsorships, since its inception, Eeyore’s Birthday has grown in attendance, and now, is presently attended by thousands of locals and visitors.
© Simrans
HISTORY OF EEYORE’S BIRTHDAY
In 1926 a classic was born, A. A Milne published his collection of short stories, depicting an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winne the Pooh, his human friend, Christopher Robin, and a mixed collection of other animals, most notably on this special day, Eeyore. The animal that inspired such a great charity initiative in Austin, takes his queues and overall character from the unfortunate disposition of the stuffed donkey that he was modeled after, a long, heavy head and neck, left the stuffed donkey looking quite sad and depressed as the weight of both head and neck constantly had the donkey faced down at the ground.
The celebration of Eeyore’s “birthday” in Austin, Texas is unique to the area. Originally, the event was set up to distract students from “Dead Week,” however, over time the birthday party has grown into a massive charity event. The first time Austin celebrated Eeyore’s birthday, there was little more than a trash can filled with lemonade and beer, however, when the party moved from Eastwoods Park to Pease District Park, Friends of the Forest Foundation, a non-profit that supports local charities took over the production and management of the event.
Creating a space for food and drink vendors, adults, families, and sponsorships, since its inception, Eeyore’s Birthday has grown in attendance, and now, is presently attended by thousands of locals and visitors.
© Simrans
