by Jake Espinoza. Photography by Sandi Elle.
We met at the Can Can.
There is no better judge of character than the people at the Can Can at 7pm on a Tuesday. Fortunately Justin Labhart and Shad Barnes, hidden behind polyester jackets, wigs and full grown mustaches, were a smash hit.
I’m pretty sure that every single person inside the bar came up and at least said hello at some point during the hour we were there.
“Tell me who you are. Wait. Don’t tell me…Will Farrell?” asked a lady a table over from us, sipping a brightly colored cocktail.
“Close,” replied Justin.
“News Man!” The ladies male friend chimed in, taking a break from his Busch Light.
“Anchorman.”
There seems to be a general understanding that a couple of guys dressed up as characters from one of our generations most quoted comedies are ready for a good time and are encouraging you to talk to them. (Plus there is nothing intimidating about a polyester suit.)
“We’ll just be walking down the street and someone will yell ‘Ron Burgundy, What up!’ from a block away,” said Shad.
Justin and Shad have been getting in character, hitting up night spots throughout Oregon, and promoting their upcoming Burgundy Fest. The plan is to fill up the Bossonova Ballroom on August 27th and celebrate the culture of the movie Anchorman.
This is the first of its kind, but they’re hoping it won’t be the last.
“It started out being an idea we had to throw a Burgundy themed party—just something for our friends to come to. But we started telling people about it and realized that people were really into the idea.” Justin told me. “We’ll see how this one goes and take it from there, but it would be nice to do one every year and maybe even start doing them in different locations.”
They’ve gone to the extremes making sure that the event is as true to the culture as possible. Activities planned for the evening include an Irreverent News Readaroke, Baxter Punt Contest, Anchorman Trivia, and a prom style photo booth where party goers can get their pictures taken.
Other than the financial risk involved in hosting an event at the Bossonova Ballroom, the two have also made personal sacrifices including spending nights away from their families promoting the event and growing mustaches.
“This thing picks up everything disgusting: pork, BBQ sauce, cat hair.” Shad said.
“Let’s put it this way. If the event is over at two, this thing might be gone by three,” added Justin.
You can get tickets now at www.burgundyfest.com.
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