The Oyster Bay, NY welcomes the 24th Annual Oyster Festival. Festival organizers adopted a no-alcohol policy that established the festival as a family-fun event, enough said. Screaming kids run with their faces dripping with sticky lard covered with powdered sugar. Daddies with bellies hanging out of their pants hold their make-uped and permed significant others. Long lines form for oysters and lobsters served on thin paper plates with fountain soda in metal jars. Pretzels - big, bread loaf big, warm, and soaked in mustard attract the crowds.
You pause, look around, and spot an elephant. Enormous Elephant's ass to be exact. He refuses to cooperate. Dares to be different, you understand.
Shopping tents - handmade jewelry, soy candles, flavored nuts, nail files with crystals, funky knitted hats.... Fudge anyone?
You thank God for your friends who made this day memorable. Special thanks to J. who dares to bring forbidden bottle of wine and home made apple pie. Without them you would consider this day a total waste.
Penn Station, big smile.
