BEND, OR — Despite what the calendar claims, residents say autumn didn’t truly begin until a smug Bend man in Patagonia over flannel strutted through Drake Park this weekend, clutching a $7 latte like it was the Olympic torch of fall.
Witnesses describe the moment as a defining seasonal shift.
“The second he walked by, a gust of crisp air hit me in the face, and suddenly every tree turned bright orange at once,” said Kelly Hart, a local who nearly dropped her Hydro Flask in awe. “I swear the ducks bowed.”
Others compared him to Bend’s version of Punxsutawney Phil — the groundhog that predicts spring. “We can light our pumpkin candles, rake leaves, and buy overpriced gourds from Newport Market all we want,” said dog-walker Dave Russell. “But it doesn’t count until Patagonia Guy shows up with his latte. That’s when fall really starts.”
The Man Himself
That Oregon Life caught up with the so-called Patagonia Over Flannel Guy, who seemed more than happy to accept responsibility for ushering in the season.
“Look, I don’t just wear autumn. I am autumn,” he said, sipping his single-origin latte while adjusting his vest. “Without me, Drake Park is just… ducks and grass. People can argue about the equinox, but when I walk through with this coffee? Boom. Instant fall. Science.”
Asked if he trains for the role, he nodded. “Of course. Strut rehearsals, latte-foam calibration, seasonal playlist curation — I take this seriously. You don’t just become Autumn Guy overnight. Unless you’ve got the REI membership.”
Social Media Reacts
Within minutes of his stroll, Bend’s feeds exploded:
- @CascadeCoffeeQueen: “Just saw Patagonia Over Flannel Guy at Drake Park. My pumpkin spice latte actually tasted spicier. #AutumnIsHere”
- Kyle in Westside Bend: “It’s official. Time to buy another beanie and complain about Californians.”
- @MirrorPondMom: “My toddler pointed and said ‘fall.’ Not mama. Not dada. FALL. This man has powers.”
- Bend Buy Nothing Group Post: “Patagonia Over Flannel Guy spotted at Drake Park today. Offering gently used gourds to anyone who also felt the shift in seasons.”
- @TrailBro94: “Leaves didn’t crunch until his boots hit the path. Legit.”
- @DeschutesBrews420: “We were going to release the autumn IPA next week, but after seeing him, it felt wrong to wait.”
- Karen on Nextdoor: “Does anyone know if Patagonia Over Flannel Guy is registered with the city? Also, suspicious Subaru nearby.”
- @PNW_Influencer: “Caught him on my story but the lighting wasn’t perfect. Do I wait a year to post?”
- @OregonDadEnergy: “I’ll admit it. Dude made me want to rake leaves. And I HATE raking leaves.”
- Reddit r/Bend user: “Housing prices went up $12,000 the second he sipped that latte.”
As for Patagonia Over Flannel Guy, he says he’ll continue his work until winter. “When I show up in a puffer jacket holding a Deschutes Black Butte Porter,” he promised, “that’s when you’ll know it’s officially ski season.”
