Fun-Snatcher

Ordinarily, this is the time of year when I start gearing up for a busy summer full of fun. Nothing about 2020 is ordinary. It may only be the end of April, but the fun-snatcher that is the Covid-19 pandemic has already wreaked havoc on my summer plans.

Last Tuesday, my sister and I should have headed out on a road trip to Greensboro, NC to see Shinedown. Instead, I sat at work lamenting our postponed adventure. Next Friday, she and I would have headed to Jergels to see Black Stone Cherry. Instead, we’ll most likely drown our disappointment with Blizzards at DQ. So far three of our summer concerts have been rescheduled.

Growing up on Rt. 40, the National Road Festival (Pike Days) was the unofficial start of summer. Every year, we’d sit out on the front porch to watch the wagon train as it made its way toward Scenery Hill. Many years, we’d have a yard sale to take advantage of all the added traffic and potential customers. Then we’d head out ourselves to peruse other sales and indulge in festival foods and entertainment. Pike Days is canceled this year. There goes my first opportunity of the summer to go get ribs from Dutton’s. Life isn’t fair.

A decade ago, the Bradford House and the Washington County Historical Society decided to share some of our area’s history in a fun new way, and the Whiskey Rebellion was born. A parade kicks off the Saturday celebration. Re-enactments take place on Main Street all day and culminate with a tar-and-feathering of the tax collector. It’s easily the coolest thing that happens in our town. Sadly, there will be no Whiskey Rebellion this July. And there goes my second opportunity of the summer to get ribs from Dutton’s. Life is so unfair.

Social distancing is expected to continue through the summer with no clear end in sight. Several communities have already canceled Fourth of July celebrations for this year. Other festivals and events are falling victim the pandemic as well. It’s a good thing my calendar is on my iPhone and easy to update because otherwise I’d be looking at pages of scratched out events. I understand the need for all of the precautions in place, but I’m mourning the loss of the summer fun I’ve been looking forward to months.

Listen up, Fun-snatcher. You may think you’re all big and bad and powerful, but I’m warning you. Do not underestimate me. This will be a summer full of adventures, albeit not necessarily the ones I’d had planned before the pandemic hit. Adapt and improvise, right? Just wait until you see what I can come up with. I come from a strong, determined family. We’ve got this! 💪🏼

Oh…one more thing. If you’re the praying type, please pray that the Pumpkin Festival doesn’t get canceled in October. I’ve really gotta get some ribs from Dutton’s!!