A summer fête ! [Mingle]

[ourearth]

Date: 11-08-2018
Characters: Everyone!

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It's a way too hot day what did we do to deserve this beautiful hot summer's day. The very crispy brown Greens bustle with activity. Volunteers, artisans and some professionals are setting up the town's largest summer fête, nicknamed Triple-F ("Faith Full Fête") due to the organisers being all the local religious communities working together for this special occasion. More or less. Until we discuss which church, mosque, or other congregation is selling the best food. At that point things might become a bit more tense because obviously ours is better, laddie, but don't say that too loud because those poor sods two stalls down from us really think their samosas are better than our scones and we don't want to crush their dreams...

Even before things are fully set up, visitors are starting to trickle in, and there will be more and more over the day until it gets very busy around mid-afternoon, only starting to thin out again once the little ones have to go to bed.

And there's a lot to do besides buying and eating food (though that isn't to be scoffed at)! The official main attraction is obviously the cake judging and award ceremony for the best cake. Small visitors can enjoy a bouncy castle, a craft tent, a Punch and Judy show, face painting, and a storyteller.

Athletics start around mid-afternoon, are mostly split between age group and gender and come with a small reward. The only exception is the tug-o-war where in addition to the usual men-against-women tug there's also a congregation-against-congregation single-elimination tournament. There also used to be a tournament between the various towns/villages in the Mossgate Council, but that was banned a while ago because of the various incidents during the Folkton vs. Moss Manor matches. Other athletics include a three-legged-race, egg-and-spoon-race, sack race, various runs ("mums run", "dads run", "kids run", "grandpas run", "queens run", etc.) and a relay race.

After the athletics there is a pet show with the categories being "large dogs", "small dogs" and "various other pets". Awards go to the fluffiest pet, the one with the waggiest tail, and so on, but there also is an obstacle course and a prize for the best in show.

All throughout the afternoon and early evening, people can enjoy tombolas, raffles, coconut shies, a bat a rat stall and white elephant stalls along with the stalls of the local artisans and some local shops. In addition, there is a live band that seems to play more and more ABBA the later it gets. There is also a BBQ running the entire day, the proceeds of which all go to charity.

And of course there is cotton candy and donuts. And instead of just one ice cream van, this year the council has managed to engage a fleet of them. Make sure you eat your ice cream before it melts and the wasps eat YOU.

Comments

[saveournpcs]

One of the artisans is an elderly lady dressed much too warmly for the heat in a dress with a long skirt and long sleeves. Though perhaps she's onto something, since she also sports a large hat and sunglasses - might just be that she's in no mood to look as lobster-y as some of the gents and ladies around.

She sells a large variety of items: Mugs and teapots, pillows, figurines, candy, and many other things. What they all have in common is their theme: They are all Dormouse themed.

Whenever someone stops by her shop, to look or just to perhaps catch a bit of shade, she'll comment something along the lines of: "It is so hot today, really, one just wants too nap all day."

[dragoonrouge]

Sadie's eyes light up and she lets out a happy gasp as she enters the shop and she spots the Dormouse themed everything. She smiles at the old lady as she speaks and nods,

"It is draining, isn't it?" Score, they're talking about the weather, there is no safer subject to speak of in existence. "At least it's shady in here, some people outside are looking a little crisp."

[darkmagiciangirl]

Chihiro wandered into the shop, smiling large at the items. Everything was Dormouse themed - how cute! Chihiro gently picked up a teapot and investigated it as she heard the lady's comment.

"It's quite miserable out today - praise be shady places like here and the fleet of drinks and ice cream for sale today, though! Quite a few opportunities to at least keep up and running."

She glanced up to the woman with a friendly expression on her face.

[fracturedbeauty]

Rafe, being on a break from the booth that Russell was so kind to ask him to participate in, he wanders around to see what other stalls have available. Curiously, he is drawn to the selection over by this strange lady in a large hat, not that he's paying it too much attention.

He picks up a teacup to look over, considering that perhaps it would be worth purchasing. It does seem nice, after all. And the Alice in Wonderland callout is refreshing to say the least, and worthy of seeing in a theatre at least once.

Still, her comment brings him out of that small bit of reminiscing, and he turns his head to her.

"Napping all day? That hardly seems acceptible. Even if it is warm, it would be a waste." He says it plainly, and not quite amused by her ponderings. Even if she is old, if she wishes to nap all day, why would she bother setting up a stall? It seems counterproductive to him.

"Does this come as a set? Or is it all individually priced?"

[dragoonrouge]

Sadie is not to be found in the same place once over the course of the Fete, drifting eagerly between the various food and craft stall. She has made it her mission to try at least one thing from each of the food stalls. Later on in the evening, she can be found by the live band very much enjoying the increasing amount of ABBA that they're churning out.

Those who get close to her will notice that she is holding on to a lead at the other end of which is a very energetic Bengal kitten in a harness, bouncing about and going up to strangers in an attempt to sweeten them into petting him.

[iamnotgod]

Walter had been, if you'd asked him, "just passing through" the Fête, with a small amount of spending money in-pocket and no real plans.

And then, for no reason he could fathom, a cat jumped on him.

"Oh, hello- hi, Sadie!" Walter amended, offering both a sheepish smile and a wave as he turned to spot the girl while in the midst of talking to the cat.

"He sure is lively, I'll give him that much."

[cannibalartist]

At some point in the afternoon in between the food and drinks Takamasa just about trips over a cat weaving in and out of his feet. He definitely crouches to pet the kitty cat. The cat definitely jumps into his arms. Oops, he catches the cat. Now he's holding the cat. Holding and petting the cat. Yes. This is worth it despite the heat.

He followed the harness to the cat's owner. In almost comical way he stood next to her, holding the cat as if he were some super villain from Secret Spy Movie, petting the cat as it pleased.

"Okay but... Why would you make this precious little creature walk in this heat."

The question was said in a joking tone as he gave the cat a good scratching behind the ears, clearly smitten with the creature.

[darkmagiciangirl]

Chi had seen Sadie walking around the festivities and decided to get her a little surprise - she hadn't had the fortune to see her since the petting zoo incident, despite their texting since then. She came up on Sadie with two ice creams in hand, surprisingly unmelted despite the heat - how fast was Chi moving?

"Sadie! There you are!" She was grinning as she offered an ice cream to Sadie - she had gotten two of the same thing so it didn't matter which one Sadie took. "I got you an ice cream! I didn't know what your favorite was, so I just got you what I got for me. I hope you like it anyway!"

[runs]

Someone managed to get stung by a wasp.

In her hand.

Just now.

There is a yell, and Kitty drops her ice cream, frantically waving both hands as the wasp takes off unharmed. "WASP!"

[iamnotgod]

That wasp doesn't get far - Walter's close enough at hand to hear the buzzing, and a newly-purchased kitschy bowl is used to slam the wasp into a nearby wall.

The bowl doesn't smash, but Walter's immediate thought is that he's glad it was cheap.

"Hey, are you okay?" Walter's attention now turns to the somewhat familiar girl, sympathetic look on his face.

"... You're not allergic or anything, are you? Should I get a doctor?"

[brofistsforall]

Maybe some years ago he would have tried to compete, just for fun- now, no amount of cajoling will get him there, though he laughs things off good naturedly. Sure, his legs aren't the bad part of him, but he's not quite in the mood to compete - ah, well, right? Have you tried the tarts down the way? They're his favorite, and not just because he's part of that congregation, they're really something...

(You learn to 'bean dip', as some call it, when you age.)

He watches the dog shows affectionately, and lingers over the white elephant stalls, curiously combing through the offerings while making smalltalk. Every so often he'll pick something up and look it over before putting it back down.

[dragoonrouge]

It is while Jacob is perusing the various wares at one of the stalls that he may feel a slight brush against his ankles before something starts tugging rather insistently at his shoelaces followed by a familiar voice calling out.

"Bad Tigger!No!"

[iamnotgod]

Walter's been here for five hours, and that's a full four more than he'd even planned on being out today. There's not a deadline to worry about tonight, but there's still an itching in his bones, some sign that he's been in a crowd too long...

He's leaning awkwardly against one of the white elephant stalls, before its owner calls to him to either buy something or leave. His surprised jolt and subsequent apology end with him making off in a hurry - and not looking where he's going, just for a second.

Sometimes, even being able to think fast doesn't save you from everything.

[channingchanningchanning]

One of the dogs at the dog show is small and white and fluffy, and to anyone who was around the zoo when they had the breakout, and at the tea afterwards, might look at least slightly familiar.

He is glaring rather fiercely at a larger, but equally fluffy dog, almost like he's aware that they are the two main contenders for the "fluffiest dog" prize. When he spots Jacob he turns and looks at him more intensely, and then barks once and holds his head a bit higher. Look, he's clearly the fluffier dog here! Everyone can see that!

[fracturedbeauty]

Rafe happened to be wandering around himself, doing much of the same ogling at different objects as he picks them up in one hand, his cane in the other, and setting them back down properly.

Finding another person as deeply into it as he is, he can't help but inquire to him.

"Rather curious, aren't they? The selections, I mean."

Thanks to Swirl for the image of Rosemary and Agatha!

[warped_replica]

Prompt to arrive at the Greens with his great aunts among the first visitors, Benjiro stays with them for a while after Rosemary delivers her freshly baked cake for the competition. It's quite entertaining to listen as Rosemary shares her opinions on which groups he should definitely purchase something edible from alongside those she holds in lower regard. Her favorites get a tap at the side of her thick rimmed glasses, and given her penchant for baking, he's inclined to follow her advice. Agatha chimes in on occasion about the food in consensus, but her critical eye is far more experienced appraising the different shops setting up. She barely looks at those she judges to be overpriced or filled with goods of questionable quality. Of course, with their guidance come stories of previous years and escapades at other such festivities.

After a while and sampling a few treats together, his great aunts urge him to explore so they can take it easy in the heat and catch up with friends about their trip to London. They only returned yesterday evening after all. Rosemary never seems to tire, having gotten up quite early to bake, but Agatha never sleeps well with travel. Parting with reassurance that Rosemary has her phone right in her pocket, Benjiro sets off to wander.

Benjiro spends his time looking among booths of artists and shops, even to the white elephant stalls to search for a specific item. After coming across a suitable match to what he has in mind, he settles to watch the athletic competition for a short while, finding the events far more entertaining than a professional game. Checking in with his aunts late in the afternoon, he slips away from the crowds until after dinner.

Cake matters
With the bustle of the dinner crowd, Rosemary returns to where all of the cakes had been left following judging. Her grey and white curls have resisted the heat to keep their place framing her face in a sphere, though she would stand out even without them framing her tan face due to her brightly colored outfit. Passing the periphery of the tables, she purses her lips with a subtle frown. An announcement has yet to be made on the results, leaving the judging unofficial, so there may be a chance to correct the unfortunate opinion.

Lingering near, she'll watch for anyone with hungry eyes examining the best cakes of Mossgate. Once she spots such a soul, she makes her way closer, "They all look so good, don't they?"

[brofistsforall]

Ben will find his teacher at one of the stalls, holding up what seems to be a piece of jewelry with a perplexed frown. It really shouldn't be that confusing - it looks like a shark-tooth necklace, a pair of the teeth strung simply on a string. He turns it over in his hands before seeming to notice the boy out of the corner of his eye, and looks up, forcing a smile.

"Ben! Found anything yet?"

Cake >:3c

[darkmagiciangirl]

Chi had been looking over the cakes entered for the event and thought they all looked absolutely wonderful. So.... Yummy. Was she hungry? Maybe she should go grab something from one of the many places selling food. She looked to the woman talking about the cakes, smiling.

"Yeah, they look really good. I bet they're all really good!"

Late OTA

[italicised]

As the owner of the town's premiere LGBT+ venue (and one of the best venues in general), of course Alexander is there, at his usual stall, set right in the thick of the action. They are selling both mocktails, and for those over 18 with ID, actual cocktails, and bee shaped honey biscuits, provided by a couple of his regular queens. The proceeds are being split between the council's chosen charity and an anti-bullying one. The Hive has also donated a couple of pricey bottles for a few of the adult events.

Alexander himself is, of course, not actually serving, but has put up an umbrella behind the stall where he's holding court with a couple of regulars, while one of the boys flits around them, fanning them and serving them with cocktails on request.

He will, however, greet anyone he recognises, or anyone who greets him. He will also relocate for the races, and will cheer particularly loudly for the queen's one.

Re: Late OTA

[iamnotgod]

Walter's found his way over to the stall, last of his reserved money for the day in hand (he'd brought a finite amount juuust in case he ended up staying longer than planned - in other words, this exact purpose).

He's currently staring between one of the honey biscuits and the aforementioned money, torn between not wanting to attract undue notice and just plain saying hello because he knows these folks. They've seen him around, even if it wasn't at the Fête. Just because his people-batteries are wearing down for the day doesn't mean he's doing anything wrong by loitering... but it's still hell convincing his own nerves of that fact.

Exhaling a careful breath, he turns and gives Alexander a meek wave, smiling.

[runs]

Fairly late on in the afternoon, Kitty shows up behind the stall and plots her butt down in a free chair. Whenever his attention ends up on her, she holds up a hand that has a cooling pack strapped to it with a bandage and declares: "I go stung! You should keep your bees better under control."

Clearly this is his fault (clearly it isn't, and it was a wasp anyway, but it's fun to pretend).

[grainneog]

Nanny was meant to wait for Shawn to return at the main tent so he could help her get around, but when has she ever done what people (especially her family) wanted? She has her walker, and the sunshine has been doing her good. She's feeling more energetic than she has in years.

But it's still with cautious steps that she pushes her walker over the browned grass. She ambles to hide her caution, stopping to look at stalls along the way, but she does have a goal - or rather, a meeting spot, in mind, and she'll get there eventually.

[channingchanningchanning]

At the indicated location, there is indeed a white Pomeranian sitting on the ground. He's not tied by a leash to anything - indeed, there is no leash - but there is a collar with a little tag on it, and considering that he's in the agreed on location, the leash was never needed, right?

There's nobody around, but then the mystery old gentleman said that he'd sadly not be able to be present so that's not unexpected.

The little dog's tail starts to wag when Nanny approaches.

She really came! So this worked out. He is very pleased with himself, and even more pleased at this new discovery that he can act as his own human. ...Perhaps he should learn how to write emails, that should to a degree enable him to act as his own human towards people not on the network...

Hm. Food for thought right there. But at the moment, he's mostly excitedly awaiting Nanny. Finally he will win a contest again!

Late OTAs are fashionable this summer

[spaghettimonster]

Another of the tables on the Greens isn't selling foods or crafts, or much of anything at all; it's advertising for the next show upcoming at Mossgate's theatre. Overdone as it is, there's no denying that midsummer is the perfect time for Midsummer Night's Dream. They're offering pamphlets with the date and cast, and presales of tickets for those interested...

But its main attraction is the several troupe members staffing it - dressed in period attire, their tunics and hose a little bizzare in the sunlight of the Fête - calling out to passersby in Ye Olde Theatrical English. Occasionally they act out scenes from the play, or roam around engaging in sword fights with props. Prithee, come by and have actors greet you in style!


[Both Russell and Rafe are available for tagging in this prompt! If you're looking to tag one in particular, feel free to specify in your subject line]

[runs]

Kitty stops at the table and watches the going-ons with interest. Eventually, she comes a bit closer and addresses the next best person: "Aren't you going to melt in that?"

V LATE WOAH - threading For Echo - Someone help take my boy to the doctors

[tobodlygo]

This day was going relatively well. The sun was out, the grass was green, He'd got his hands on one of the Pecan Tarts that was going on the bakery stand, the first one he'd had since he got back from the states, his throat was closing up- histhroatwasclosingup-

He has no idea what's happening right now, only that he has enough time to stumble over to the medical tent before he blacks the fuck out-

[dragoonrouge]

Sadie had spotted Jim leaving the bakery and had followed him, meaning to wave him down and introduce him to Tigger, when she saw him go red in the face and start to stumble.

"Jim, are you alright? Oh shit!" Sadie watches him tumble just shy of the medical tent and rushes over. "Excuse me! Can someone help, my friend has collapsed?!"