Wyandotte Street Fair

Larry Lee Band- took this pic for the Wyandotte Patch

I was feeling kind of sentimental this year about the street fair- it has been a part of my life every summer for as long as I can remember. The only thing that has changed through the years has been me, and my own involvement in it.

When I was young, like little enough to be carried around on my father's shoulders, my favorite way to travel when I was two and three, I was there as an observer.  I didn't have much of an opinion on the art that if for sure- I think the only thing I cared about were these marionettes made from hot pink feathers that were sold there for a few brief years.  I loved those.  I had one.  I wonder what happened to it. Visiting the fair solely with family was pretty much my involvement for 14 years.  Later, as a high school student, I was allowed to go with my friends and walk around.  I would get a tropical shave ice and just hang out, looking for people I knew.  During college, I worked downtown at Gail's Office Supply, now out of business.  I worked 4 days straight, 12 hours a day.  They were long days, but I always had a blast with my coworkers.  I told my boss I would work the whole thing if I got to work outside the entire time, which she did.  I loved soaking up the atmosphere, watching the crowds go by, seeing what they bought, listening to the music.  It was probably the four best days of work a year.  After graduating college, I spent a few years just visiting the fair with whoever would go with me- Billy wasn't always down for going.  Later, I spent several summers in a row volunteering with various animal rescue groups at their booth.  This year I managed to do all of the above- I visited the fair with friends. I visited the fair with family- twice. Once for a leisurely morning with my mom, later a crazy Friday evening with my dad, stepmom, and nephew.  Both times were great fun and brought back memories.  I also worked one night for the Patch, and also volunteered the next day at our booth.  I managed to visit the fair all four days, each in a different way. And somehow I never got an elephant ear!

M y nephew - enjoying his first art fair.

Everyone has their own traditions and secrets about street fair - the best place to park, the best place to eat, the best day, the best time to go.  Some people go just for the music; some go only for the art. And some people just go for the beer tent.  Personally, I like to take it all in, from all perspectives. I have my own street fair traditions and ideas - this year, I even found a new place to eat after 33 years! 

Adventures in Lego Land

I am pretty excited about a new development in my life. Not too long ago, the editor of the Wyandotte Patch asked me if I would be willing to be a freelance photographer, filling in on stories as needed. I of course said yes! So far I have shot Third Friday in Wyandotte events, and a few animal shelter events, which of course were near and dear to my heart.

This last shoot was a blast! I shot photos of a children's lego contest. It was a gray and nasty day outside, totally uninspiring and blah. Inside the library however, were bright colors, laughter and creativity, some of my favorite things. The kids did such a great job, and it was pretty cool to see kids playing and building with legos at the library, in this time of video games. I felt such a renewed hope for our future! Please, check out the rest of my photos of this fun event ~ it will be a two part photo series. The first is of the kids building, and the second, unpublished one is of the finished projects. If you live in the area, pop on by to vote for your favorite!