Hey, it's late Saturday night (still) in this time zone, and I'm missing Kid Oakland's usual late night riff.
Just got back from my son's school's annual carnival. It's a huge event drawing thousands of people and enlisting an army of volunteers who spend a year getting it together. They spend all summer picking mangoes for chutney. Hold sugar drives for the best hot malasadas in town (beignets have nothing on these babies). Fly to the Big Island at their own expense to go hiking through the mountains to pick materials to make exquisite lei.
Tonight as I was walking around the crowds, I saw teenagers holding hands, grandparents feeding cotton candy to their grandchildren, parents maneuvering strollers, kids with their arms full of stuffed animals they won in the game booths. I saw one woman with forearm crutches and a blind couple with white canes.
And the food! Hawaiian plates with laulau, lomi salmon, and haupia. Fried noodles and teriyaki chicken sticks. Gyros and taco salads. Hamburgers and corn on the cob.
Music blares from the rides and the PA system announces that Jason loves Lauren. It's hot and humid. nI've been on my feet for 10 hours. I've got to walk 3 blocks to get to my car. And I wouldn't miss it for the world.
If you've got a special event in your community, I hope you'll share it below.