Once again, it's time for the annual cruise down America's first highway. An event that began in the mid 90s as a fundraiser, has become a monster. Oh sure, to those who come to participate--and they come in from all over the world for this-- driving up and down Woodward Avenue may be fun. It's just not my idea of fun. People are either lining the streets as spectators, or driving their pristine, and sometimes not so pristine, old cars around and around and around in circles. The air becomes choked with exhaust only a vintage car can belch out and when it rains, it comes down in the form of pure testosterone. Traffic moves with all the forward motion of a snail.
Slooooooooowly.
I live less than one mile from this main artery that takes me to and from the freeways. The event isn't official until Saturday, but believe me, it's begun in earnest already and it makes the lives of normal commuters, area residents and most business owners miserable for an entire week. For the metro area, it will bring in around $50 million dollars. I've yet to meet a business owner who says they benefit, but someone must. Probably gas stations.
Lucky for me, with one exception, I've remembered to stay off this road this week. Also, the stars have aligned and Saturday just happens to coincide with the Michigan Fiber Festival. In the time it takes one vintage car to drive 3 miles down Woodward Avenue during the thick of the all day event, I will be 172 miles away in Allegan, Michigan. That is not an exaggeration.
Once there, I will pet the alpaca, fondle the fleece and ogle the yarn. Hell, I may even buy more than a little. That is not an exaggeration, either.
While I hate to disappoint you, I will not have photos of muscle cars, traffic or smog to show you proof of this hellacious event, however, check back Sunday for pictures of sheep.
Are you running away from anything this week?
12 comments:
Sounds like heaven, the fibre, not the cars
oh god they do this in st. paul, too, a mile from my house. but they don't clog the freeway--they clog the residential streets, cruising in their gorgeous but annoying old cars at about 15 mph in long lines, up university ave to the funky old drivein, and then over to the state fairgrounds, where they congregate, and then back OUT of the state fairgrounds...they have nowhere to go, so they just drive around.
the first time i saw them all i thought, how cool! but now i'm sick of them. and it seems like such an odd hobby.
Wallene? heehee - We are leaving Sunday to drive her sister to college - it is a lovely drive, about 120 miles but unfortunately there is no room in the van for poor lil' Wallene, so we are leaving her with her grandparents. She is a happy camper. :)
Hope you have a great time at the fibre fair. Wish I was there.
I much prefer the sheep. But I also want to see some of the yarn.
Living in a tourist area, we hunker down at home every weekend except in the winter. I know I'll get frustrated by the crazy drivers not used to hills. So why bother? And don't even think about the bike races. I'll just stay home and knit and read.
Great timing!! Can't wait to see your photos. We're taking Stef to Richmond (college) and when we come back, we'll be child-free again.
Ooooo, fiber festival would be my choice too! Have a great time, and try not to spend too much.
So, I wonder how much knitting could be done while the cars move slowly through their parade?
Your trip sounds much more interesting. Have fun fondling!
Forget the cars... Post pictures of fiber on or off the sheep and alpaca!
Just wondering.. do you go with specific projects in mind or do you just look and buy what pops out at you?
Devon, last year I went wanting only merino/tencel blend roving to spin. I found all that and more. I go mostly for the ambience and sometimes with a plan. This year, I want some unique spinning and weaving fibers.
Noisy cars are for men...well I liked them when I was 14-18 back in the 60's. Motorcycles really give me a headache. But...so glad you are getting away from it all and doing something REALLY exciting. I have never been to a fiber festival. I wonder if it is like a quilt show?
My better half's father,John, owns a 71 Cutlass convertable...Burnt orange.....You can find him on Woodward all this week and all next.....Look for him, he is the one whose hair color has been died to match his car.
yes! we are running away from home this week and all the doctors and hospitals we have visited this past year! come with us! it'll be a hoot...
smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxo
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