This year, Freedom Fest fell a bit flat. Entries and attendance were
both down. Some blamed the heat wave that had passed through, while
others put more faith in the string of unpredictable weather events preceding
the event. Something in the air played a larger role though; likely,
nothing more than poor marketing and promotion. Folks were still getting
used to the idea of the annual cardboard regatta occurring on the 4th of July
weekend.
Mostly clear skies offered up another beautiful day splashing about in and
around Sandy Beach. The only five entrants to the contest offered
amusement in the late morning hours on the beach, intertwined with contestants
face down in watermelon. Rain threatened as the day wore on, and a
bit of lightening eventually chased most out of the water.
Hunger eventually pushed our party towards other points on the map of this
little town, along with the promise of a cool pillow in a darkened room for a
few hours. Foul weather eventually gave up on the region and a little
nap time renewed vigor towards additional beach activities later in the
day. Arriving just before sundown, the lawn chairs had already
begun to litter the sand in anticipation of the coming show.
The rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in the air eventually pulled
through and lit the night sky, raining down electric streamers, reflecting
across the water in a festival of lights comparable to few. A view
from the sand or down in the water could only be bested by one floating in
the middle of the small inland ocean. We had missed the music, the
races had flopped, but none of it really mattered among family, friends and
few hundred acquaintances, under sparkling night skies.
A return visit to the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum found the scene much as we had left it the year before. Indeed, it proved itself similar to it had been 100 years ago. Greeted at the door by carolers, the interior stood warm and inviting, though somewhat crowded, early in the evening. A variety of activities absorbed the interested of short folks, including the opportunity to receive a free wooden toy, and have a chat with Santa, all while dribbling hot apple cider and scattering cookie crumbs throughout house. Out at the campfire, others enjoyed the offering of roasted chestnuts, and the opportunity to lightly socialize on the topic. All in all, this low-key Christmas experience warmed heart and soul for attendees of the evening events.
Spring is here and the world is emerging from it's winter slumber. Not only will the temperatures start to heat up, but so will the activity in the electronic music community. Fresh music from artists that were waiting to drop the new hotness at WMC will be out and ready for mass consumption. Dance floors are hungry for the latest tracks to fuel the frenzied masses of clubbers and party patrons. Soon enough the outdoor festival season will be upon us. I hope to see everyone out on the dance floors with much love and respect. Until then, please enjoy the picks and peace and safe journeys to all. April Featured Artist: Markus Schulz I won't waste your time by explaining to you how this man simply ROCKS!!! Artist/Remixer/DJ, is what we call a triple threat. Take the time out to find out more by visiting: MarkusSchulz.com or ArmadaMusic.nl April CD Pick: Global Underground: Shanghai Nick Warren Besides being one of my idols, Nick Warren is one of the most respected
The final night was finally here, and all the winners from the previous weekends, alongside their runner-up made one last appearance in their finest, then their own swim wear, and finally in swimwear provided by Hawaiian Tropic. Only one would go on to the regional contest. Shotgun Jackson provided his usual distractions on the microphone, with drinks and dancing, courtesy of beats from DJs Steve Thorell and Bill Pile, all around for those that stayed to the very end. view more photos from this event ... and if you want to see what led up to this date, the preliminaries ... Week 5 Week 4 Week 3 Week 2 Week 1
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