Fans witness Civil War in Sisters

In what could possibly be the largest Civil War party in the history of Sisters, nearly 100 fans gathered at Aspen Lakes to cheer and groan as the Ducks and the Beavers went head-to-head last Saturday afternoon.

This year's battle was the 111th Civil War fought between the Oregon State University Beavers and the University of Oregon Ducks. The game is a major event in Oregon that has been sold-out for more than 50 consecutive years, and it annually sends dozens of Sisters alumni of both schools over the Santiam Pass in December.

Although it was often anyone's game through Saturday's grueling four quarters, in the end the Beavers emerged victorious after a second overtime with a score of 38-31. Beaver receiver James Rodgers rounded the corner in the second overtime, looked up and saw only one defender between himself and a winning touchdown.

Saturday was the first time the Beavers have won the Civil War without a home field advantage since 1993.

Aspen Lakes, with a large-screen projection TV in the upstairs area of the new lodge, put on an inside tailgate feast that seemed to go on forever, just like the game.

"We didn't want the guests to come and sit down to a big meal. We wanted them to be able to snack and have different things available as the game progressed," said Vickie Zahler, the director of food and beverage for Aspen Lakes.

Beaver and Duck fans were in abundance, although the Beavers had the upper hand, as Aspen Lakes is home turf to many a Beaver.

"Everyone in the family is connected to Oregon State University. We are all Beaver fans," said Grant Cyrus, general manager of Aspen Lakes. "There is one young nephew who wants to go to the University of Oregon and be a Duck, but he is just a contrarian."

The newly-opened lodge provided a fresh gathering venue for the area, and the crowd that was attracted was very large by Sisters standards. There was barely a place to sit for the elbow to elbow fans who enjoyed the fare, fellowship and good natured rivalry. The Aspen Lakes party had been a long time in the planning and is likely to become a new Sisters tradition.

"When we first decided that this room was going to be a great place for meetings and parties Matt (Cyrus, one of Aspen Lakes owners,) said: 'This would be a great place to have the Civil War party.' We all agreed, and so for the last year or so we have been looking forward to the event and giving some thought as to how we would do it. Of course, we wanted it to be a Beaver victory to christen the room," said Cyrus.