The town I live very near has asked me to come up with a “Day” celebration that would be unique and maybe kind of weird yet fun. I obviously do not know that many unique, fun and weird days. I like the idea of “Dawgie Days” in Dumas, TX, Missouri Days in Fowler, Colorado (Four Missourians got together about 100 years ago and now the town triples in size every Missouri Day to celebrate Missouri’s accomplishments - or lack thereof). Freedonia, Kansas used to have a Marx Brothers celebration to commorate the use of the name of Freedonia in (I believe) the film “Duck Soup”. I understand they have (had) a Marx Brothers Parade where everyone is invited to dress up like a Marx Brothers, they have a continuous running of Marx Brothers movies at a local theater and the like.
But that is about it for me. I don’t know of any other really unique “Days”. Do you? Feel free to elaborate on them.
I just remembered “OZfest” where Liberal, Kansas celebrates all things Wizard of Ozish. They have a parade, a showing of the film, a choosing of the most Dorthy-like girl in town and dance with the Wizard of Oz as the theme.
My town of Nederland, Colorado has Frozen Dead Guy Days.
Coffin Races, a Frozen T-Shirt contest, Polar Plunge, Grandpa’s Blue Ball, and yes . . . a frozen dead guy.
Similarly, Conspiracy Days could be interesting. Folks could show up as bigfoot, Elvis, Men In Black, etc… There could be a Trilateral Commission to oversee the event. And the local Masons could have a field day. There could be a fluorodated water booth for those looking to dilute their precious bodily fluids. A parade of fifth columnists is possible. Flying saucers and grey aliens would be a great sub-theme. The food vending area could be called Area 51 or Roswell. Maybe folks could have their picture taken on a fake moon landing set.
Just don’t do whata town near us did & produce a themeless, pointless “days” celebration held oudoors at the hottest, stickiest time of year. It’s been a money-losing laughing stock for 3 years now & will probably die the minute the chief booster leaves his job with the city’s Parks & Rec dept.
Speaking of dying, in Chautauqua County there was Stockton Gala Days, which was not really unique, just a bigger version of the fireman’s fairs that are held in NY and PA (and for all I know in the midwest and new england as well.) It died when it’s chief supporter…died.
But it did lend its name to a song by the 10,000 Maniacs, sharing nothing but the title except for the setting in a bucolic farming valley.
