This is The World According to Buchs - Keepin’ it moving since 2003!

Summerfest started last week Thursday; Judy & I (w/ Maureen) went on Friday. The two of them had the afternoon off, so they got there closer to 3:00, and I joined them at around 5:30. It was a pretty typical summerfest - obnoxious drunk crowds, overpriced beer, yadda yadda yadda. There were a few highlights, though:

The Great Table Migration
We were standing in the Piggly Wiggly stage area, looking around for a spot claim as our own. Ben Folds was playing at 10:00, and although it was only 6:30 at the time, all the good seats were taken. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted 3 or 4 kids hauling a picnic table from about 100 yards back, making their way towards stage right. Judy caught sight of this, and immediately wanted to do the same; she & Mo grabbed a big table, and made their way forward. I met them about halfway down, and suggested that we just stake out a spot with the rest of the tables, which we did. For a while, until another 4 or 5 tables made their way past us, up to the front. So, we joined the action, and moved up to the front. It would have been a great seat.

Jackass
After about 15 minutes, one of the security guards calmly walked up and informed us that all the tables that had been moved had to go back; and, if we wanted to help, that would be great. I took that as “If we move it for you, you’re not getting it back”, so we packed up and made our way back. Once we nestled into a spot, another opened up a few yards in front of us, so we made a try for it. Just as we were about to park it, another security guard jumped all over us. He was literally screaming, and his bald little head got all red. In the end, we kept the table, but didn’t have a very good spot. I’m working on a scetch of that security guy. When I finish it, I’ll ask for everyone’s help in identifying him *so I can get him fired*. He took his job way to seriously, and was just an ass.

Drunk Girl
We had a few uninvited guests at our table. Well, one on the table, and a few others hanging around. A girl, who couldn’t have been but 18, decided to sit down and take a little nap. And talk on the phone. And mumble something or other. One of the guys we were with made sure to let them know that there was “no yakking allowed” at our table. She seemed a little tipsy, but OK. I took a field trip to the men’s room before the Ben Folds show started. Upon my return, most of her gang had left, because, apparently, she emptied the contents of her stomach on the ground, and was now fully passed out. The others had ditched her, but the one who was probably her boyfriend stuck around. Maureen told them that she was a cop, and wanted to see some ID’s. Anyways, I didn’t want her to have another “episode” in front of us, so I, uh… “encouraged”… her boyfriend to take her for a walk. And - poof! - they were gone.

Crawfish
One of my favorite things to do at Summerfest is eat. Heaven City and Crawdaddy’s had a combined booth, and I went to check it out. Glancing at the menu, I couldn’t decide between the Crawfish Etoufee and the Popcorn Crawfish. Upon closer inspection, I found the Double Trouble Etoufee - Crawfish Etoufee over rice, topped with the Popcorn Crawfish. That was delicious. I’d consider going back, just to have another helping.

Fountains of Wayne
I had thought about going last night to see Fountains of Wayne, but I was on the fence. For one, it was a 10:00 show on a Sunday night. Also, they were scheduled to play at the Miller Oasis - the filthiest, sweatiest, most crowded cesspool on the grounds. Throw in a little rain on Sunday night, and that sealed it for me. I’ll see them next time they’re around.

Grand Finale
In other news, Judy & I announced our wedding plans to our parents yesterday. Horray for us. “Sometime in September [2005]” - so keep the whole month open, just in case.