# Fest me away!! (or FCM is leaving Florida) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 5, 2004, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336 "2004-04-05T12:32:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/81 "2004-04-22T16:20:13Z")
I coming! I coming! I bring pie! Got my roommate’s girlfriend (who also happens to be a fellow seller of solar protection optical appliances) to cover my shift, I _think_. She was a little drunk when I asked because we finished our finals last night (woohoo!). ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/82 "2004-04-22T17:00:28Z")
Excellent, now my evil plans are complete! Er, I mean, it’s great that so many people can come. Mwah-hah-ha-ha-ha! ---
**Author:** ![Inoshiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a9adbd/32.png) [@Inoshiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inoshiro)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/83 "2004-04-22T19:00:53Z")
I should be there too. Never been to that park or Ocala for that matter. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/84 "2004-04-22T19:35:19Z")
YAY! We got another one! Looking forward to meeting you, **Inoshiro**! ---
**Author:** ![screech-owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/85 "2004-04-22T21:36:45Z")
::adds one more bag of chips to shopping list:: I’ll be there! I’ll bring a few bags of potato chips and dip, as well as some burgers. Is anyone bringing plates or napkins, or do we bring our own? (Sorry if I skimmed over the answer anywhere in the thread.) ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2004, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/86 "2004-04-22T22:13:11Z")
I’ll have cups, plates, and napkins or paper towels, and plastic forks. And ice. And weenies - I’ll have a few to share. And cucumber-onion salad. And “green stuff” that the kid made. And balloons. And charcoal. And probably other stuff that I think of. Oh yeah - ketchup and honey mustard. And probably a pack mule to help haul it all into the park… ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/87 "2004-04-23T00:49:09Z")
This being my first, how long do these things usually run? I am going to have some other things I gotta do Saturday, and I was planning on being there at 11 and leaving around 3:30ish, but now it occurs to me that people might hang out afterwards, go to dinner, etc. and I might want to come late/stay late. Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![screech-owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/88 "2004-04-23T01:12:47Z")
Quick question. Is the _ **FWOOSH** _ going to have to be a _ **FWOOSH** _ because it’s been so dry lately? Or has western Marion County gotten more rain than Orange/Osceola Counties lately? Anyone bringing a fire extinguisher, just in case? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/89 "2004-04-23T01:16:41Z")
> [@furt](#): > > This being my first, how long do these things usually run? I am going to have some other things I gotta do Saturday, and I was planning on being there at 11 and leaving around 3:30ish, but now it occurs to me that people might hang out afterwards, go to dinner, etc. and I might want to come late/stay late. Suggestions? Well, turns out that I _do_ have to go to work, but I switched shifts so I don’t have to be there until 5. So, I’ll be leaving at the same time you do. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/90 "2004-04-23T01:19:16Z")
Ooh good question. I shouldn’t need a ride. I’ve got two brothers and two sisters… _one_ or them ought to let me borrow a vehicle. As for food I’m bringing… Earlier I mentioned I’d bring MREs. Is that ok? They taste like crap (imho) but are sort of a novelty for people who don’t have to eat them on a regular basis. Is that ok, or should I bring something better/tastier that I might eat others’ treats without being stared at all angry-like. I can picture it now: Me eating some yummy chips and cucumber salad with maybe a burger while others stair, grimacing at the **Chicken Style Meat: Chunked and Formed in Mushroom Sauce** they’ve been offered in trade. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/91 "2004-04-23T01:35:28Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > As for food I’m bringing… Earlier I mentioned I’d bring MREs. Is that ok? Dunno what I’m bringin’ yet, but I’d love to swap a burger or a chicken leg for an MRE. That’s _an_ MRE. RNATB, email me if you wanna carpool. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/92 "2004-04-23T02:27:31Z")
What are MREs? And what is the green stuff that Perfect Child prepared? FCM… you’re taking Perfect child and me. You have people to carry the stuff… 🙂 And help you finish it, too! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/93 "2004-04-23T02:41:04Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Dunno what I’m bringin’ yet, but I’d love to swap a burger or a chicken leg for an MRE. > > That’s _an_ MRE. > > RNATB, email me if you wanna carpool. Can’t, unless you don’t mind spending four hours or so wandering around the Mall @ Millenia: I’ve gotta go straight to work from the Fest. ---
**Author:** ![Bambi\_Hassenpfeffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Bambi\_Hassenpfeffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bambi_Hassenpfeffer)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/94 "2004-04-23T03:08:59Z")
> [@Really Not All That Bright](#): > > Can’t, unless you don’t mind spending four hours or so wandering around the Mall @ Millenia: I’ve gotta go straight to work from the Fest. My brother was just there last Thursday. I was supposed to go with him, but I got called in to work. Maybe he ran into you. Small world. As to what I’m bringing: a cooler with some ice, some thin steaks for me, some mustard, and my water. I’m on (doctor-ordered) Atkins, and in the induction phase, so I have to be careful with my food. Oh, and a swimming outfit, cause I love swimming in the springs – especially if it’s in the mid-80s. And some sun protection. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/95 "2004-04-23T03:44:00Z")
> [@KarlGrenze](#): > > What are MREs? Meal Ready to Eat. Army chow. I’ve never had one. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/96 "2004-04-23T07:43:58Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Meal Ready to Eat. Army chow. I’ve never had one. I’ll take that as a “no”, then. **B\_H** : I was at the other store at Downtown Disney on Thursday. BTW, guys, if you want a discount on a (good- I can’t get you the WalMart ones cheap) pair of sunglasses, lemme know. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/97 "2004-04-23T10:06:25Z")
How long will it last? Dunno - till we leave or the park closes. I won’t be able to do anything afterwards because I’ll have my doggie with me, plus I’ve got a long ride home. I’m not worried about a fire extinguisher because there are grills in the park and I intend to snag one for us. I have the charcoal in the van already. “Green stuff” is a mixture of pistachio pudding, pineapple, marshmallows, and cool whip. It’s a family tradition sorta - my MIL always made it for certain family meals, and the kid just loves it. Definitely not Atkins friendly. Hey - anybody got some tablecloths? Mine are all packed, except for the one vinyl Christmas tablecloth which I may throw in the car just in case. **KG** , we should be leaving our house by 8, so we should be picking you up between 9 and 9:30. I’ll be driving my van - a dark green Aerostar. I’ll try to call when I’m a couple of blocks away. I’m really excited about this and looking forward to meeting everyone before I leave the state! YAY! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/98 "2004-04-23T19:10:16Z")
According to [weather.com](http://weather.com), Ocala is looking at sunny and 88 tomorrow. Don’t forget your sunscreen!! ---
**Author:** ![Kuizelemartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e19b73/32.png) [@Kuizelemartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kuizelemartz)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/99 "2004-04-23T21:49:14Z")
I know I’m a new person and all, but I’d like to drive on up there and meet you guys. Looks like it will be a beautiful day! I’ll be driving up from New Port Richey, a nice lazy cruise up Hwy 19 will be nice. I don’t have any tablecloths, but if you still need some, just say so in this thread later tonight and I’ll pick a couple up. No ideas on what I’ll bring, figure I’ll hit Publix or Winn-Dixie on the way in. If you have any requests, let me know. I’m lookin forward to having some fun in the sun! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2004, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336/100 "2004-04-23T22:04:30Z")
**Ravenous Lady** - yay! Come join the fun! I hoped to grab a couple of tablecloths at the dollar store, but they didn’t have any, and I’m in no mood to shop any more, so if you have something that’ll make a table cover, that would be great! I’ve got two star-shaped mylar balloons - one gold and one silver - and there will be some regular round balloons tied to the same cords. Our location should be obvious! And I found an old bathing suit - very fashionable with a skirt [sub]ick[/sub] so if it gets as hot as they’re promising, I’ll be taking a dip. I think I already packed the beach towels, but I think I know which box they’re in… Can’t wait till tomorrow! :D:D:D:D [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fest-me-away-or-fcm-is-leaving-florida/238336.md?page=6)