Bruce Campbell gears up for Oregon ghost town celebration
Bruce Campbell is all about fostering community in Southern Oregon. This weekend, the actor will take part in a local tradition celebrating the ghost town of Buncom.
Bruce Campbell is very active in his Southern Oregon community. Last week, he participated in Oregon Media Production Association Industry Day at the Capitol. According to the Mail Tribune, this weekend he will be helping to celebrate a local tradition known as Buncom Day.
Buncom is a ghost town. A remnant left over from the gold mining boon of the 1850’s located in the picturesque Applegate Valley. Each year, the celebration (complete with a parade) takes place the last Saturday in May.
It sounds like a fun way for neighbors to come together and enjoy each other’s company amidst the fresh air and wooded setting. In addition to the parade, there is music, pony rides, activities for kids, exhibits and even a book sale.
This event, which is organized by Lyn Hennion, even has a world-famous contest which various residents have participated in over the years. As it just so happens, this year, Bruce will be running the competition known as Chicken-Splat.
What is it? Think of it as Roulette with chickens. Yes, the actual birds. Attendees place bets and reserve numbers written on paper.
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A chicken will be placed in a cage and then it’s up to nature to take its course. Literally, hence the splat part. If the “foul” from the fowl lands on your number, you win!
How did Campbell get involved in the contest? Well, years ago, he attended Buncom Day and makes it a point to do so every time he isn’t filming or doing any personal appearances. According to the actor:
"“Over the years, other people have done the Chicken Splat. They have it every year. I thought, ‘You know what? Let me sign up. I’m spending a little more time home this summer, let me get my hands dirty and let’s do some chicken splat.’”"
If you happen to be in the state and wish to attend, the celebration starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. on May 25. The parade starts at 12:00 p.m. Buncom Day is open to the public, admission is free and donations are accepted.
Directions are courtesy of the Mail Tribune:
"Take Highway 238 to Ruch, then turn south onto Upper Applegate Road. Travel three miles, then turn left on Little Applegate Road and go another three miles to Buncom, where the road intersects with Sterling Creek Road."
For more information, follow Buncom Day on Facebook. If you don’t get to see Bruce Campbell in person this time, check his website bruce-campbell.com for his list of events.
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Next up for the actor is Niagara Falls Comic Con from June 8 through June 9. Then on June 9, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! premieres on Travel Channel at 9 p.m. For those of you in Oregon and the surrounding areas, you can see Bruce live and in person as he narrates Peter and the Wolf at the Britt Music and Arts Festival in Jacksonsville on July 23.
Are you familiar with Buncom Day’s Chicken-Splat Contest? Have you seen Bruce Campbell in person before? Let us know in the comments. We want to hear from you.