Floyd Fest:Take 5!
Floyd Fest is different this year. There is no mud. No rain or fog. No hurricane skirted the site, as it has in the past, and festival goers have had to drop the nickname “Fog Fest,” because there is none.
The crowds are noticeably larger. Is that why I lost my parked car and almost missed my scheduled 3:00 poetry reading under the Poet Tree? My husband, Joe, came to the rescue. Not only had he built the benches for Poet Tree area, but he arrived to the reading from a hula hoop workshop in the African village just in time to recover my poems from our lost-to-me car, and he mustered up a last minute impromptu audience for us from down at Hill Holler Stage.
Mara got acupuncture from The Healing Arts Tent to rev up her bravado. Is that how she was able to stand on the literal soap box like a town crier and belt out poetry to passers-by?
I, on the other hand, sat down to read when it was my turn. Our crowds at the Poet Tree are always modest, but you know, I’m shy and sort of like it that way.
The Poet Tree is popular with the kids. Not because it’s a free speech zone or an open mic. 
They don’t come to hear poetry. They do not stand on the soapbox to complain about President Bush, read their own poems, or organize a revolt against public school. They like the Poetree because there are apples in it!
Post Notes: I’m headed out to Floyd Fest again today. I plan on checking my blog comments at the Blue Nova wireless tent on site. The Roanoke Times has a blogger blogging on the event as it's been happening. You can check it out HERE.
Comments
Hi!
Looks like fun! What a kind partner you have. I think it would be wonderful if the poet tree sign and the benches could sit out all year.
Over today from Michele's.
Enjoy the rest of your fest.
Posted by: bobealia | July 30, 2006 10:49 AM
Hi!
I would have gone but it was way too expensive. Has it always been that expensive?
Posted by: Chrissie | July 30, 2006 3:38 PM
What does that sign say that on the bench you were sitting on? It looks like SAP from here - and you are not that!!
Posted by: kenju | July 30, 2006 3:55 PM
Oh, I wish I could be there!!! We're leaving in a little while to go to the swim team banquet. Whitney won 2 medals at the meet this weekend in RU and Kerry won one (she got first place in backstroke!) They did wonderful!!!!
Bobby said next year, we are going to Floyd Fest!!!:)
What great weather for it this year!!!
Posted by: TammyB. | July 30, 2006 4:12 PM
Kenju, Mara is standing on the soapbox and I'm stitting on it. It says "Soapbox!
Tammy, way to go to the girls!
Chrissie, Joe and I work in trade for tickets. I read poetry and also had an essay in the FF program this year for tickets. He builds huts and puts up roofs etc. But I also think the festival is worth every bit of the price of admission.
Posted by: colleen | July 30, 2006 5:22 PM
Michele sent me today, Colleen...Oh these pictures are delightful. I didn't realize there was a Poet Tree, too! How wonderful...So happy to visit you, as always!
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | July 30, 2006 5:43 PM
I didn't see the Poet Tree but I did see the blogger tent and was really tempted to go in. (No one would let me go!)
What a wonderful day....I agree it was waaaay bigger this year but what a great crowd! Just a great fun group of people!!!
Did you enjoy Donna? I just love dancing to their stuff! I had the best time! and it is always nice seeing you!
Posted by: Deana | July 30, 2006 6:44 PM
Just letting you know I was here. I hear you. :) xo,l
Posted by: Lisa | July 31, 2006 12:17 AM
Kids like the simple things in life :) Hope you had a good time!
Posted by: Ivy | July 31, 2006 4:31 AM
So you appear to have worn black. Was that because you felt poetic or did the weather really cool down!
Posted by: Tabor | July 31, 2006 7:32 AM
Good going Joe!
I think the kids may be onto something. :)
Posted by: Pearl | July 31, 2006 8:13 AM
Reading your blog makes me want to move to Floyd. :)
Posted by: Wren | July 31, 2006 8:20 AM
brilliant. sounds a blast!
Posted by: keda | July 31, 2006 8:54 AM
Tabor, I do have a penchant for black. It was cool enough in the shade and even cooler at night. Under my portable black top I wore a lightweight sleeveless rayon top, and I also had a hat and either wore it or walked around with hat head all weekend.
Deana, dancing to Donna and the Buffalo was a highlight for me! No time to talk much when were busy dancing, but I always love running into you too!
Posted by: colleen | July 31, 2006 9:45 AM
Sounds like a good time was had by all. Such a fun event to have.
I'm wondering if you bumped into my island neighbors, Pat and Tom?
Look forward to more pics and details on your Floyd Fest.
Posted by: Terri | July 31, 2006 9:51 AM