The ricochet-like effect of our weather never ceases to amaze me it can go from a sizzling summer day to full-on autumn in the blink of an eye. Even though it's not quite time to pack away the flip-flops and flimsy summer frocks for good, the crisp, chilly weather already has me in an autumn state of mind. Once it dips back into the low 60s and below, I just want to drink hot tea, wear boots and buy a super-fuzzy blanket for 60 percent off at the Borders closing sale (very depressing, by the way reminded me of that episode of "The Twilight Zone" where books have been declared obsolete).
It's easy to get the blues once we go from sunny skies to a consistent gray, but if blue is how you're feeling, you're in luck there's no better weekend for it.
RED, WHITE AND BLUES
The Red, White and Blues Festival will be held in Fredonia on Friday and Saturday, with events happening throughout downtown. It's Christine Burdick's first year organizing the fest, and she guarantees a fabulous weekend that does not divert from the Red, White and Blues of years' past.
"One of the reasons I wanted to do this was because I wanted to get to know more people, and by doing this I've gotten to meet people I wouldn't have otherwise," said Burdick, a local resident who works in Sherman. A guide for several years for the ghost tours held around Halloween, she was asked to try her hand planning Red, White and Blues an experience that has proven enjoyable. "It's a lot of music and a lot of food, and it's fabulous."
That is one thing about Red, White and Blues you never know who you'll meet at the festival. Many come from near and far, the bars are packed and the hotels are booked. Each year's event seems to bring in more blues fans than the last.
The official kick-off event will be held at the Fredonia Beaver Club, with Red Rhythm from 8 to 11 p.m. in the pavilion along with DJ Tom Malone. (Also on Friday is Kokomo Time at Liberty Food and Spirits at 6 p.m.). On Saturday, the blues will fill Fredonia starting before the lunch hour. Here's the complete schedule:
Also planned for Saturday are wine and home brew tasting at the Farmers Market, bright and early; the Taste of Fredonia, starting at noon; a chicken and rib barbecue from noon to 5 p.m. at the Fredonia American Legion, to help local veterans; and the 9/11 Remembrance Run. Registration for the run is from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Valentine's Place, with it set to start at 11:30 a.m. See FestivalsFredonia.com for every last Red, White and Blue detail.
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Fall TV
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WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
Tailgating fun-sucking. The new "Disney-style parking" at Ralph Wilson Stadium means that you can't park wherever you want to the rule dictates that each vehicle park next to the one that came in before it, so no leaving empty spaces. And that's not all: the lots will open an hour later (one less party hour), part of Abbott Road nearest the stadium will be shut down for five hours prior to every home game, and once you're in, there is no smoking allowed in the stadium (OK, I agree with this last idea as smoke and secondhand smoke is good for no one, but I'm sure this is yet another rule fans will be unhappy with). These unnecessary rules certainly put a damper on a Bills fan's God-given right to tailgate and I will not stand for it!
They are lucky Bills fans still willingly shell out their hard-earned funds in this economy, no less to watch a team that hasn't been to a Super Bowl since the early '90s and, let's face it, hasn't inspired much hope for a Super Bowl win since then. The fans are there rain or shine, hot or cold, in blizzards, in subzero temperatures, cheering with just as much enthusiasm whether their team is winning or losing. And now they want to crack down on a little pre-game partying? Who needs a drink (or six) more than a Bills fan?
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Send comments and events to adiodato@observertoday.com
