I had some enjoyable times last week. I enjoyed the Fredonia Farm Festival. I always was active in that festival. They used to call me "the pie lady." No, I didn't make pies. I just collected the names of the contestants in the contest.
This year on Saturday, I enjoyed the Elvis impersonator. I got there a little late and I sat on the street in front of the band. It was fun watching the kids and a few adults dance. It's unbelievable the rhythm the children had. One was a little chubby baby that hadn't been walking very long. One was a young girl with curly hair who moved like a pro. I always loved dancing.
They (my family) said I danced before I walked. They would put me up on the table and say "dance" and I'd wiggle my bottom. Why is it that comes so natural? When I look at some of the dancers today it's almost having sex with your clothes on! That's not my idea of dancing; but these youngsters were cute. It was amazing to me how many adults knew the words and were singing Elvis songs. Then it was amazing, too, when I got up from a cross-legged sitting position to standing upright. To me, that's like acrobatics.
I visited with a young writer of children's books. Rosamond Burns drew my attention to him. His book is a learning tool for children. It illustrates virtues the children should learn. It makes parenting easier.
I enjoyed the talents on display by local artists. By artists I mean the people that showed their creative hand work. There were a lot of jewelry displays, comforters and, of course, foods.
Weren't we lucky with the weather? The parade went off without a hitch. All in all it was a good festival. On Saturday afternoon, I attended "Beauty and the Beast" at the Robert Marvel Theatre. It was incredible. It was put on by the playground Drama Day Camp's 2012 group.
The young people who provided props had two weeks to prepare, but the actors only had one week. How did they ever do it? I was so impressed. We need experiences like that to appreciate our young people and give us hope for tomorrow. Also, it points out to parents and adults that the kids need enjoyable projects that will keep their minds and bodies busy. How many times have you heard young people bemoan, "There's nothing to do!" Find something to keep them away from the corruption, television and all those toys. They will thank you for it.
Margaret Valone is a Fredonia resident. Send comments on this column to lifestyles@observertoday.com
