Proctor

Proctor arts festival was quaint. Typical folk art was there - birdhouses, painted stools and chairs, landscapes, metalworks. I think one of the reasons street fairs are so great is that they are events that are rather conducive to solo exploration. You don't particularly need another person to explore. However, it is much more fun to have company and I was lucky enough to go to Proctor Arts Festival with the divine little Sofia and her mother, Luci, my co-intern (us by the street sign at left).

It was a gorgeous day. The start of it threatened cold and rain. I was bundled in layers at home, battling off the chill through my windows. But by the time we arrived at the artsfest, the sun was shining and I was wishing for a tank top!

The artsfest coincided with the Proctor Farmers market which was particularly awesome with it's plethora of locally grown Rainier cherries, tart apples, freshly caught salmon (yay for free tastes) and flowers galore. Luci and I contemplated the idealistic concept of buying exclusively locally grown produce. I've recently been thinking more about globalization of food products and wish I had the time and money to support local products. If I could be free every weekend to hit up the farmers markets it would be so much easier. (Pics: fresh lavender at farmer's market and candid of random guy eating yummy Taste of Proctor food.)

On a less serious note, we got to see people in animal costumes! Always a sign of kid-friendly fun (all references to Furries and that scary subculture notwithstanding). I was particularly excited to see a Panda bear and princess hanging out and a dalmatian in fireman's gear (left). Nothing like a little bizarre interspecies confusion to please the kiddos.



One of the best parts of this street fair was the dog show. They had various fun competitions: longest tail, hairiest dog, biggest, smallest, and look-a-like dog-owner (see pic of two contestants). At the end of the competition (winners were chosen by applause) there was a parade with all the dogs.

It was a great day off. I even got more freckles for my trouble - a sure sign I got my RDA of Vitamin D.

This weekend is yet another street fair. The McKinley Street Festival. I'm really looking forward to this one since there's a chance the Dockyard Dames may be there.