Once upon a time Da Vinci Days was a fun, multi-day event. I fear, however, those days might be gone (if 2012 is any indication).
To begin with the kinetic sculpture parade: In past years there had been a large variety of sculptures. Some sculptures were local, and some from many miles away. This year, I suspect most were only from Corvallis and the immediate region. While in past years there were dozens of sculptures, this year there were far fewer (maybe 15?) and most looked like the same machine with different decorations......in short, kind of boring. The parade of sculptures was so short that I, along with every one standing nearby, were saying as it ended "This must just be a short break in the parade......more will be by soon." But that never happened.
The film festival: In past years, the film festival featured many films you might never see....and that has not changed. The trouble is, the films of the past (at least most) were interesting and well made. This year it seems as if the coordinator of the film festival was either drunk or high while picking the films. Virtually all were (what I'd guess you'd call) "artsy", cheap sorts of films..... similar to what one might see made by angst ridden 19 year olds for a college film class.
The main festival: Upon entering (after paying way too much money) you are greeted by one of several un-uniformed "security" people (I presume volunteers) who will proceed to search each and every bag you are carrying. I asked why they were searching and they simple said "For your protection." To this day I'm not sure what they were protecting me from? Al Qaeda? Tea Party terrorists? Serial killers? Get real Da Vinci Days.......this is a small festival in a small town. You're impressing no one (but the feeble minded or paranoid).
And then the final straw: After walking around and seeing some of the same events and booths I've seen 100 times before at every other Corvallis event (except this time I had to pay) I tried to dispose of a soda bottle. While it's admirable that the organizers of this event are into recycling, they (for some odd reason) have decided that all recycling bins need to be guarded by a neon vest wearing pseudo-cop. I don't know what training manual was used to educate these people, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was written in German and published in 1939. Before I had two seconds to determine which bin to dispose of my bottle, I was loudly and rudely yelled at "You need to put that into this one! No.....don't put it in any others!" This was repeated a little later when I attempted to throw away a paper plate. Geez......if, for some reason, I wanted to pay for abuse, I'd hire a dominatrix.
All and all I'm giving Da Vinci Days a big thumbs down. I can easily think of 100 better ways to spend my time.........like eating tin foil and shaving my head with a cheese grater. read more
