By Vern Holmquist
What a great summer we have had. Now the signs of fall are upon us. The flowers are retreating and the leaves are falling. School has started with its flurry of activities and homework. Nights are cooler, yet the days are still warm, well, at least when the sun comes shining through. And days are growing shorter, which reminds me of a little verse from my youth:
The shades of night were falling fast
When for a kiss he asked her,
She must have answered yes because,
The shades came down much faster.
The Amazing O’fest
At the time this article hits the streets, we will be in the middle of Oktoberfest. Time to celebrate the crops we have harvested during this great summer. We hope the guests to Mount Angel are having a time to remember. I also remember that Monday morning in Mount Angel the faithful volunteers will have everything back in place, packed away for another year. Amazing.
Silverton Sidewalk Shindig
The next big party I am looking forward to is the Silverton Sidewalk Shindig on Oct. 5. It will feature a wide variety of music to be enjoyed all through the business district. This is a repeat of last year’s great success with 40 musical groups expected. Fun, fun, fun.
Make way for the pedestrians
Benches for people to rest their tired bones, to sit and watch people go by, and a chance for a little conversation in front of downtown businesses to me always says “Welcome.” I love it, a sign of hospitality and perhaps a sign of tolerance to be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
Then tables and chairs were added for the same reason. Then “sandwich” boards advertising the wares of the business were added. And then there seems to be a little competition as to which business can block off the most sidewalk. Yes, it has got to the point where there is little room left for mothers pushing baby carriages, invalids on mobility scooters, people with bikes, wagons (not allowed on our streets) or even lovers walking side by side. Should they have to detour?
A case in point: I saw an amputee in his wheelchair pick up a steel chair that was in his way and place it on top of the table next to it to let him go by. This was after the business had closed for the day. Now again, I love the show of hospitality, welcome to our village, sit down and enjoy. But if going downtown becomes too much of an obstacle course it may hurt business more than help. Think your situation over. Don’t over indulge. Leave enough room for at least a twin baby carriage or hand-in-hand lovers to go straight through.
