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What’s All the Hoopla About? Austin Celebrates World Hoop Day
Friday, August 8
Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Road)
HooParade begins at 5:30 p.m. at the rear entrance of Barton Springs at Robert E. Lee Road
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This week, people around the world are celebrating the classic plastic toy’s half-century of existence, culminating with World Hoop Day on Friday (08/08/08). Locally, Austin Flash Mob and Austin Hoopers are organizing the HooParade on Friday, during which hundreds (ok, maybe dozens) of folks are expected to converge upon the back entrance of Barton Springs and hula hoop their way across Zilker Park. The flash mob-style gathering will conclude at the Lamar Pedistrian Bridge.
People are encouraged to bring their own hoops, though a few will be available. After the event, many of the hoops will be gifted to Safe Place.
More than just a flash mob, HooParade joins a handful of events being staged around the world that seek to bring the joy of hula hooping to underprivileged children living in extreme poverty and underdeveloped communities around the world. As part of that mission, artists at Decadently Dorky are making hundreds of hoops during the Austin Hoopraiser—these will in turn be given to children's charities and organizations around town. Volunteers are needed to help construct the handmade hoops at the Austin Artistic Reconstruction Warehouse at 1023 Springdale Road. The hoop-making sessions will take place throughout the week.
Still don’t have your Hula Hoop fill? The World Hoop Bazaar from 6-10 p.m. on Friday at Hot Mama's Expresso Bar (2401 East 6th St.) will include hooping classes, performances and hoops for sale. A suggested $10 donation will benefit the World Hoop Day organization. Live music will be provided by The Righteous Tidings, to be followed by a fire hooping finale by performance artist Sage.
