COMMUNITY BAND

Forgetting our whining about all our tiny disasters, we went over to the mainland Thursday for a concert by the community band. This one had a theme of classics. Like the William Tell Overture. That always make my toes tap. The medley of Beatle tunes was familiar while The Klaxon March wasn't. (This is a salute to the car horns, or klaxons, on old classic cars.)

The band's members come from three counties. Since anyone who plays an instrument is welcome to join, they have senior citizens, high school students, middle school students, and everyday business people. Several are band/music teachers at different schools who have some of their children playing.

They believe music should be free to everyone though a donation is always welcome. There was no one in the lobby to take it when we left, but I will see if I can send a check this week because the music was well worth it. The hour went by very fast.

This photo was taken before the place started filling up. I thought from the red shirts it might be a Christmas concert, but it wasn't.

Anyway, the evening was a nice interlude before the man comes to see about the leak in our roof.

STEWBILEE's POOCH PARADE

Today was our annual Brunswick Stewbilee. We have Brunswick stew samplings from all kinds of different vendors. One little man was working feverishly at his table by himself, handing out samples, but there were no signs to indicate who he worked for. When I asked, he said, "Myself!" Turns out he's running for Clerk of Court next year! His stew was pretty good, but I think he neede better advertising around his table if he wants to get any votes.

There are also other activities: booths selling various things from cupcakes to jewelry, music from several bands during the day, a classic car show, children's activities, and -- my favorite! -- the Pooch Parade. I'll go into the cars next week but today we'll focus on the doggies!

Here are a couple. Not sure what they're supposed to be, but one of them looks like he's in his pajamas.

This sweet mastiff wore a wig and tutu. She won a prize for best big dog costume.

And here we have a clown with her yellow jacket. I thought she would have gotten a prize but was evidently beat out by a little dog with a cat on his back! Wish I could have got a picture of that but I never did see it.

And here we have a beekeeper, though you can't see him very well since he's standing behind his two bumblebees. Keeping them from escaping, no doubt.

You can't see the sweet little puppy very well, but the lady in red holding him is a volunteer. He wore a red bandana with ADOPT ME on it as he frolicked around. Several people were petting him so I hope he finds someone to take him home.

And the young people in yellow standing in front of the band, are members of the Boys and Girls Club. They volunteered to be judges for the Pooch Parade and did a fine job. I have no idea how they picked the winners because there were too many delightful costumes for me to show here. But the kids did finally decide, and then huddled around each winner and petted it and cooed over it.

I couldn't believe all the cutie pies and how well-behaved they were! Not a single fight or even a threatening grrr!

FIRST FRIDAY

Each month, the Downtown Development Authority has an event on the first Friday of each month to encourage people to come to the older section of town. Shops stay open late. Some offer refreshments or other entertainment to people wandering by. Musicians play, restaurants offer samples, and there are crafts or other things for kids.

On last night's First Friday, people were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. We were there early and left as the crowds began to gather, but there were still things to see.

The kiddy corner held the play castles. We watched them being blown up.

And here is a cute little ladybug with her mom, ready to start having fun.

This exotic beauty handed out samples of fireball shots (some kind of liquor with coffee) outside The Southern Table and Bar. The woman on the right had just drunk one. The one on the left was about to take one. I haven't tried this restaurant but it's on my to-do list!

Here are people wandering on the sidewalk by one of the squares. The table on the left, if I remember correctly, was giving out literature on a no-kill animal shelter.

Across the street, at another square beside the restaurant Tipsy McSway's, a band played jazz.

This is the front part of that square. I didn't realize it at the time, but the bending woman on the right, was trying to get a response from a man who'd been listening to the music. Evidently, she had noticed him having problems.

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The response was quick, within a few minutes. Here you can see the yellow emergency vehicle over the bushes.

I don't know the outcome but I hope it was good. Other than that, we enjoyed the outing!

THANKSGIVING'S OVER, CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

On our morning walk, we ran into workers stringing up holiday lights on palm trees down by the pier. We supervised a while, then went on our way.

At the lighthouse, we heard music. Yep, Christmas music. Couldn't figure out where it was coming from at first. Then we looked up.

Evidently, the lighthouse is about to be decked out for the holidays, too. This year, that must include music broadcast from the top because that was certainly where it was coming from.

After a couple of songs, the music ended and people were seen working. The first picture shows the lighthouse full length, the next shows the workers on top. If I get some nighttime pictures later on, I'll post them here, too.

I love the holidays! And not just for the food.

OLD SONGS

I guess because there are so many older and retired people living on the island, the radio station here plays old songs. Not just golden oldies from the 70s, 80s or 90s. I'm talking about from the 20s-30s on up.

"Over the Rainbow," "Begin the Beguine," "Stardust," "Java Jive," "Rum and Coca Cola," "Sentimental Journey," "Blueberry Hill," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," "Brokenhearted Melody," and the list goes on and on.

I love them all! And since my WIP is set fifty years ago, listening to it helps set the mood.

And they do slip in some classical stuff occasionally, but that's okay. I like it, too!