The S.L.U.G. Queen (Society for the Legitimization of the Ubiquitous Gastropod) is the unofficial goodwill ambassador for the city of Eugene, Oregon. Each year a new Queen is crowned following costuming, performing, judge bribery, and jolly festivities. The crowned queen spends their “rain” participating in the Eugene community and representing the spirit of Eugene.
The word unique barely scratches the surface of the S.L.U.G. Queen’s hometown, Eugene, Oregon. Instead of a traditional agricultural Harvest Queen, Eugenians celebrate their creativity, humor, and long standing connection to counter culture, by lifting the ubiquitous NW gastropod (a.k.a. the slug) to royal status. Every summer, since 1983, a new Slug Queen emerges from Eugene’s endless pool of local characters to be crowned. A Slug Queen has “rained” over Eugene since 1983.
The S.L.U.G. Queen, as a concept, is a symbol of respect for nature, independence, free thought, and elevating the voices of those most vulnerable in our community. The “Raining” Queen acts as an ambassador to the City of Eugene by providing support to local non-profit organizations, business, arts and culture. The Eugene S.L.U.G. Queen has a long standing friendship with the University of Oregon’s duck as together they represent the excellent relationship between the City and the University.
Judges comprise Old Queens and a local celebrity guest. It is essential to never address an Old Slug Queen as “former” or “past” or “retired” as the title “Slug Queen” is retained for life once earned.
The winning contestant becomes the “Raining” queen immediately post-coronation. The previous year’s queen then becomes an “Old Queen” and assumes the privileges of Old Queens, such as voted rights. Every ten years Old Queens are promoted during the coronation festivities. After one decade the title “Very Old Queen” is bestowed. On a queen’s twenty-year anniversary the title “Very, Very Old Queen” is gifted. Three-decade queens are honored as an “Extremely Old Queen”.
Once a Queen, always a Queen.
