A lot of hard work, long hours and worry go into preparation for the annual Bittersweet Festival. Each year, I find myself involved in a different project or craft, such crocheted items, twisted animal balloons, or fund raisers for the youth center/skate park, and every time I say “Never Again!”
And here I am again this year – presenting my first public display of “Clarissa’s Corner – Photography and More”. The more being greeting cards, bookmarks, laminated prints and, at the last minute, even framed prints. Preparation involved many hours of focused labor that I (and my schedule) are still recovering from.
So many people helped make “Clarissa’s Corner” a possibility because I surely would never, NEVER, have done it on my own. I’d like to take a moment to say thank you and hopefully, not forget too many: First, thank you to Sheryl for providing and encouraging the idea and providing the perfect booth spot in front of the youth center; my mom for using her creative eye to help me match the right picture with just the right card, for making tassels, assisting me as we framed, and laminating and laminating; my dad for building the best wooden greeting card displays a girl could ask for and promoting my cards everywhere he goes (along with his skeeters, of course!); my Granny for adding the “feminine finishing” touches to the displays and pitching in where ever she could. Jeanette, my willing co-traveler, who spent her one weekend off in forever to keep me company at the booth, helping me put up, keep up and tear down. Chrissy – for making my awesome signs; Darren and Danetta – for the use of their tent (a life saver!), to Matthew and Danny for helping me setup the tent, wind proofing it, resetting it up and taking it down. (The winds Saturday morning were bad but it certainly could have been much worse. Thankfully, there are no pictures or videos of that scene.) Thanks guys – I don’t know what I would have done without your help. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the kids and teens of the youth center – some kept us company when things were slow, checking in often to see how things were going, helping setup and tear down, coming to my rescue during the windy bursts – each one showing support in your own special way…I will never forget it.
My final thank you goes out to all my friends, family and co-workers who have supported me for years – loving my pictures and encouraging me to share them. I appreciate everyone who stopped by the booth, whether just checking in on us or supporting us – some of you even made sacrifices to show your support. I am just totally overwhelmed by all that has transpired in such a short time! I guess it’s officially Official – Clarissa’s Corner is open for business.
Bittersweet is a good time to see old friends or make new ones. I think my favorite part is the Parade. Fire trucks pulling out all the bells and whistles, so loud your ears hurt. Seeing so many youth participating is really cool – whether marching with the ROTC, riding on the floats, driving motorcycles, or promoting their church youth groups. The old fashioned cars, horses and wagons are a delight as well. But to be popular with the crowd, there is one thing you must remember: Candy, and lots of it!
A new addition to the festival program this year was the “Dog Show”.
Big dogs, little dogs, pedigree and mutt, all came together! What an eclectic collection – some were too cute, some so ugly they were adorable, and some huge enough to offer pony rides. I think this event will be around again.
I do enjoy the festival and but I am surely glad that it only comes once a year!
Joy 2 u “C”
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