Welcome back to another blog hop, with #OpenBook. Here’s this week’s prompt.
Don’t forget to click the link to see what everyone else has to say on this week’s subject. It’s at the end of my post.
In the US and other countries, many areas are gearing up for festivals and fairs. Do you have a favorite? Any specific part that you don’t want to miss? (exhibits, food, rides, animals, people watching?)
Living in a beautiful part of the country, one that tourists descend on in the summer months, is a double-edged thing. On the one hand, we are lucky to live here; on the other, it can be a nightmare.
There’s not a lot else here, in terms of industry or large employers. Consequently, the area relies on a good season with lots of visitors spending to make enough money to survive through the winter months.
If you’re one of those people who prefer a quieter life, the arrival of the tourists means crowded roads, towns and favourite haunts.
And in the case of Brixham, there’s the Pirate Festival. By one of those strange coincidences, it’s next week.
For several days, the town is filled with 20,000 people all trying to look like Johnny Depp or Kiera Knightley. It’s a bit noisy and over the top, but it’s fantastic for people watching. As an introvert, it’s not my favourite place to be but I’m glad that people come down here and enjoy themselves. On the occasions that I’ve been near the event, I can feel the positive energy.
And there’s a Steam Fair, in August, on a field just outside town. Featuring steam engines, crafts and all the usual paraphernalia, we’ve been there most years, even on the year when it was too wet to get the steam engines into the muddy field. Again, it draws huge crowds.
Before Covid, there were several other events in town. Related to the fishing industry or to celebrate the town and raise money for local causes, they showcased local craftspeople, food and drink. I even got involved in one, several years ago, when I baked 400 small ciabatta for a cafe that had an open-air stall selling hot Mackerel rolls and locally sourced beefburgers. All of them were consumed on the day.
Sadly, the events never resumed when lockdowns were finally lifted.
What do you think about this week’s subject?
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Until next time.
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Kazx
I know exactly what you mean as I live on the island of Anglesey and tourist season is just starting up as everywhere gets busier.
Richard Dee
In a way, I prefer winter. It may be cold but there’s a different sort of beauty about the place.
Steven Smith
I imagine it’s a bit chaotic with Pirate Week! Lovely little town though, Brixham.
We have a steam fair here too – the weekend after the bank holiday. Similar to yours there are demos of old steam powered machines, steam buses and vintage fair attractions. Plus, if the weather holds up we should have a Battle of Britain flyby too.
Richard Dee
It can get overwhelming, especially if you’ve just nipped down to the shops in “normal” clothes.
Stevie Turner
I’ve often wondered what the locals in Devon and Cornwall think of the tourists. Do you call them something like ‘grockels’? I’m sure locals on the Isle of Wight hate people with caravans (like me).
Richard Dee
They do. I’m a “local” so I’m accepted. Most tourists just want to have a good time, we might indulge in a little gentle ribbing but we generally welcome them. I love the town in winter when it belongs to the locals again.
P.J. MacLayne
I use to live in Daytona Beach, which had tourists all year and practically doubled the population during Bike Week. One of the reasons I left. 🙂
Richard Dee
I get that, I try to keep out of town when events are on. We live a way out from the centre, at the end of a cul-de-sac, so tourists don’t bother us too much.
Kelly Williams
A pirate festival sounds like amazing fun! Do you post about your area on your blog? Pictures and stuff…
Richard Dee
It gets the town noticed. I don’t post as much about the area as I used to, I guess I’d run out of new things to show. Maybe I’ll start at the beginning again.