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Don’t miss out on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Thanksgiving Day debut of balloons, floats and clowns 

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor 

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the official start of the holiday season for many, and it has become a tradition to get comfy and watch the four-story-high floats and balloons; for a lot of families, this year will be no exception. 

Anyone can tune in to NBC to watch the viewing live from 34th Street, all the way in New York, NY, alongside familiar hosts Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. NBC will be starting the parade bright and early at 6 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. Pacific Time on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. All the performances, gigantic balloons and fantastic floats can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. 

The lineup is pretty impressive this year: 18 different giant balloons with great measurements. For example, their balloon of Boss Baby is 45 feet tall (roughly the size of a four-story building), 28 feet wide (six taxi cabs wide) and approximately 32 feet long (the length of five bicycles). Fans can look forward to some old favorites, like the holiday Pikachu or the 67-foot-tall Ronald McDonald, or new and improved balloons, like Boss Baby. 

If that isn’t enough pizzaz, there will be 17 performances from artists like country music legend herself, Dolly Parton, who will be performing “Home Sweet Home,” on the float for the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. To go with the wide-ranging music selection and balloon parade, there will also be two “balloonicles,” which is Macy’s term for a “balloon-based vehicle.” Instead of the balloons being filled with helium like the giant balloons, they are filled with cold air and are powered by the driver of the car.

Additionally, there will be 19 different groups of clowns running around, all of which have their very own themes. Included clown groups will be the pirate clowns, the nutty-cracker ballet clowns, the city tourists clowns and the classic circus clowns. 

But it doesn’t stop there; nine street performers like “The Big Apple Circus” and NYC’s Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band, “Heritage of Pride,” will be out and about, along with 25 elaborate and fantastical floats — all of which will top off the extravagant event. 

So come Thanksgiving Day, make sure to grab seconds, thirds and extra dessert, and catch up on all the excitement for this year’s coolest holiday event. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

 

Enjoy fresh movie theater snacks at home from Independence Cinema

Find out what movie theaters are doing to stay afloat

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

Many small businesses have been affected by the pandemic, and local shops in Oregon have especially been impacted by the recent two-week freeze mandated by Governor Kate Brown. However, this hasn’t stopped small-town shops from finding creative ways to stay open while putting safety first — like the Independence Cinema. Although they are not currently offering in-store purchases or movie viewings, people can still enjoy those classic movie theater snacks and other items with their curbside concessions.

During the two-week freeze, their curbside concessions will be open every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., where customers can get some snacks and also purchase gift cards, which are available on their website, battlegroundcinema-com.3dcartstores.com.

Along with providing goodies to all the movie lovers out there, Independence Cinema is also advocating for meaningful relief before 2021 to be provided by legislation. Movie theaters have been some of the hardest businesses hit during the pandemic, and certain measures have to be taken in order for businesses like these to still be a part of our community. Additional information on these legislation efforts, as well as future showtimes, can be found on their website, independencecinema8.com.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Beat holiday stress with some funky tunes

Enjoy a playlist that travels through the ‘60s and ’90s

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor

The holiday season is finally here, and while it’s an exciting time to spread cheer, some days are longer than others. People need ways to unwind and kill time in between the holiday get-togethers. Here are 15 songs to help distract from the stressfulness of the holidays, ranging from the 1960s to 1990s; there’s bound to be quite a few throwbacks and other well-loved tunes. Find a few artists to revisit, and add some of these groovy classics to a playlist. Don’t forget to check out the playlist with all these hits under “Beat the holiday stress with some funky tunes~” on Spotify at TheWesternHowl.

  1. “Just the Two of Us” — Bill Weathers ft. Grover Washington Jr.
  2. “Give Up the Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” — Parliament 
  3. “Juicy” — The Notorious B.I.G.
  4. “What’s Going On” — Marvin Gaye
  5. “Love Train” — The O’Jays 
  6. “Blue Bayou” — Roy Orbison 
  7. “Play That Funky Music” — Wild Cherry
  8. “Little Lies” — Fleetwood Mac 
  9. “Boogie Wonderland” — Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions
  10. “Funky Town” — Lipps Inc.
  11. “Get Down on It” — Kool & The Gang
  12. “Love Her Madly” — The Doors
  13.  “I Wish” — Stevie Wonder
  14. “Night Fever” — The Bee Gees 
  15.  “Get Down Tonight” — KC & The Sunshine 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

 

Join the holiday scavenger hunt for hidden gnomes

“Gnome on the Roam,” a free holiday event in Independence

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor 

In order for the community to celebrate this year’s holiday season, many local events and traditions have to make accommodations. “Gnome on the Roam,” a free family-friendly scavenger hunt, is a holiday event hosted by the Independence Downtown Association. Running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and spanning from Nov. 28 to Jan. 9, there will be plenty of time for members of the community to participate in the scavenger hunt and find the 15 plus gnomes that are painted in the shop windows along Main Street and C Street in downtown Independence. 

These crafty little gnomes will be hiding well, so be on the lookout and pick up a scavenger hunt form ⏤ they will be available in front of Indy Commons and other businesses starting Nov. 28. Once all the mystery items have been found, people can drop off the form in the dropbox at Indy Commons, 154 S Main Street, for a chance to be entered into a weekly drawing. 

The prizes will include $20 gift certificates to any downtown business of your choice. Updates on the “Gnome on the Roam” scavenger hunt and future events can be found on the Independence Downtown Association’s Facebook, and their Instagram page @downtownindependence. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Six ways to celebrate Thanksgiving during COVID

Enjoy Thanksgiving together while social distancing

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives, including celebrating holidays. It’s important to stay safe and protect loved ones by maintaining social distancing and adhering to state and national guidelines. Here are some new Thanksgiving traditions to try with family and friends this year.

1) Virtual gathering: With numerous communication options available ⏤ such as FaceTime, Skype, Google Meet and Zoom ⏤ scheduling a virtual meeting with family and friends can be a good replacement for in-person celebrations. Each family can prepare a feast at their own tables while enjoying the company of others through a computer screen. Set a laptop at one end of the table and chat away.

2) Exchange Thanksgiving dishes: If loved ones live nearby, consider swapping side dishes. Have each household make one side dish — mashed potatoes, a casserole or a salad to name a few — and leave a dish on one another’s doorstep. If close relatives live some distance away, band together with neighbors to create a contactless potluck.

3) Share recipes: As opposed to cooking for one another, design and send loved ones recipe cards. Go old-fashioned and send a notecard in the mail, or simply text and email the recipes. Send them ahead of time so that everyone can make each other’s favorite dishes on Thanksgiving Day.

4) Movie marathon: Enjoy some holiday classics with the household or watch one of each person’s favorite. Use Teleparty ⏤ a Google Chrome extension ⏤ to watch along with friends and family, no matter how far they are. Leave movies playing all day, or begin the morning by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before jumping into movies.

5) Outdoor games: If the weather permits, try hosting some games outdoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gathering outdoors promotes social distancing and is better ventilated than indoors. Cornhole, soccer, bocce ball and Kan Jam are just a few games to be played outside, or simply toss around a football.

6) Give back: There are also many ways to help in the community this Thanksgiving. Collect canned foods and nonperishable goods to donate to a local food bank. The Food Pantry at Western is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for two hours each day; check their website — wou.edu/foodpantry — for updates. Alternatively, donate money to local organizations and charities, or cook a meal for a homebound neighbor. 

No matter how Thanksgiving is celebrated this year, remember to maintain social distancing when possible and wash hands often.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

 

Gobble down some new Thanksgiving meals

Three alternative Thanksgiving recipes to make this year

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Thanksgiving is all about the food, but the traditional oven-roasted turkey and stuffing may not be for everyone. Whether looking to try something new, create a twist on the classics or the usual meals are just getting old, there are dozens of ways to spice up Thanksgiving dinner. Find the recipes for these alternative Thanksgiving dishes on our website, wou.edu/westernhowl.

TURKEY MEATLOAF

Start to finish: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Cooking spray

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary

1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

2 pounds ground turkey

¾ cup bread crumbs

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 large egg

⅓ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 325ºF and lightly grease a large deep baking dish with cooking spray. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper then stir in garlic and herbs. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire, egg and cooked vegetables until combined. Season with salt and pepper.

On a prepared baking dish, form meat mixture into a loaf. In a small bowl, stir ketchup and brown sugar until combined, then brush over loaf. Bake until internal temperature reaches 160ºF, about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Recipe from delish.com

MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

Start to finish: 55 minutes

Servings: 10 to 12

3 pounds russet potatoes

7 tablespoons butter

¾ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¾ teaspoon salt

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

TOPPING

¼ cup panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons chopped chives

5 strips bacon cooked

½ cup shredded cheese

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Peel and chop the potatoes, then add to a large pot. Cover with water and heat over high heat; boil the potatoes in water about 20 minutes or until softened.

Drain the potatoes and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder and salt. Mix with a potato masher, or use a hand or stand mixer for creamier potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and stir to combine.

Spray a two-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the potato mixture into the dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.

In a small saucepan add the butter and panko bread crumbs. Cook over medium heat until just toasted. Sprinkle on top of the potatoes.

Top with shredded cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with bacon and chives just before serving.

Recipe from houseofyumm.com

VEGAN PECAN PIE

Start to finish: 45 minutes plus overnight to set

Servings: 1 pie

2 tablespoons vegan butter

1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans

½ cup coconut sugar

¼ cup pure maple syrup

¾ cup unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

One 9-inch prepared pie crust

Preheat the oven to 350ºF then parbake prepared pie crust for seven minutes. Set aside to cool. In a measuring cup, combine the coconut milk and cornstarch, then whisk until smooth.

In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for about 30 seconds while stirring continuously. Pour in the maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut milk mixture, vanilla and salt. Whisk until smooth.

Remove from heat then pour the mixture in the pie crust until filled to about ¼-inch of the top of the crust. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until filling appears mostly firm when gently shaken. Cool on the counter for two to three hours then cover and store in the refrigerator for at least eight hours, ideally overnight. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving for best texture.

Recipe from makingthymeforhealth.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Let’s talk turkey puns!

Share some turkey puns during thanksgiving; they are sure to get at least a few pity chuckles

Compiled by The Western Howl staff

Gobble ‘til you wobble.

I’d like to cut back on thanksgiving leftovers but I can’t cut back cold turkey

Where do turkeys go when they die? The gravey-yard

Gravy is the turKEY to my heart

What did the cranberry say to the gravy? Let’s get sauced. 

It doesn’t get butter than this. 

Nobody puts gravy in the corner. 

The nap after eating is called the silence of the yams. 

Bread-y or not, here I crumble!

Gobble me, swallow me, drip down the side of me. 

What do you call a turkey after Thanksgiving? Lucky

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