Summertime offers us so many opportunities to experience the wonderful outdoor festivals and events communities across the country have to offer. During your free time this summer, relax and enjoy what's going on about you. Appreciate the abundance of creative talent in our midst. There are painters, sculptures, potters, jewelry designers, metal artists, photographers, musicians, writers, and so much more.
This past week I spent two extremely hot days selling my books on Main St. as part of the small hometown festival held every year in Pine River, Minnesota. On early Friday morning most of the people milling about were just stopping by at the local bakery on their way to work. Too busy to be customers, I hailed them with a good-morning anyway as they headed back to their cars. The greeting caused them to glance at me and what I had to offer, planting a tiny seed hopefully. The benefits I received from them were two-fold: a courteous smile and possible description of a new character.
Saturday afternoon at the festival brought with it an assortment of people: young, old, crippled and wheel-chaired bound. They all had one thing in common when the clock struck 2. It was time to watch the hometown parade. If you're a writer or photographer, you'll never have a better opportunity to see such an outpouring of people--how they dress, expressions on their faces, the way they converse. Seeing the excitement of little kids as each new car or truck passes by and candy is tossed to them. People on floats waving to their loved ones standing on the curb. Loved ones shouting to draw their attention. The emotions conveyed by all when the VFW and American Legion men and women proudly march by bearing the flag of our country. Big and little alike jiving to the music of the band marching by. Of course, for those of you who love motorcycles and classic cars there are always plenty of those along the parade route too.
The hush of the crowd as they departed was almost contemplative in nature. Is it because they wanted to savor the light-heartedness for a few more moments? Again, this would be the perfect time to jot down descriptions of people as they moved away from the parade. What were they thinking as they carried the memory of the parade home with them? Perhaps you could weave a short story from your day spent at a parade or festival this summer.
As always, I'd love to receive your comments concerning this blog or previous ones.
Until Next Time
This Is Marlene Chabot
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