Just as real gastropods come up from the ground after a long rain, so will Eugene’s SLUG queens emerge from their homes after the COVID-19 shutdown to host an in-person contest once again.
The annual competition, which prides itself on silly personalities and uniqueness as opposed to traditional beauty standards, is preparing for its 39th year, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. In 2020, the competition took place on Zoom, even though the event thrives off of a live, energetic audience, says “raining” SLUG queen Jenette Kime, AKA Raining Goddess SluGoddess SlimeShine.
“There is something about going back to normalcy. We get to mingle with people and have that memory showcased, and see the contestants who are excited about participating,” she says.