CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time. The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground. The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been.  * * * Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.
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CAT SQUARE PARADE - VALE, NORTH CAROLINA

Whenever people had asked me if I’d ever been to the Cat Square parade it’d always be followed by a chuckle and knowing look in their eye. They’d tell me about that one time they went and there were elaborate homemade floats on old cars, parade-goers tossing out cans of beer and cigarettes, and lines of horses as far as the eye could see, five for each person there. For the past several years and since I graduated from college, I’ve been wanting to attend this much talked about and surely rowdy time.

The Cat Square Christmas parade has taken in place in Vale, North Carolina for the past few decades. Each December, this little census-designated community of Cat Square sees an influx of a couple thousand people turn out to line up along the side of Zur Leonard and Cat Square Road to watch the parade trot by. Each year I’ve been told the number of spectators and participants grow larger. A few high school bands join in, almost every female in Lincoln County it seems is a beauty queen of some sort and is escorted in a convertible. North Carolina is not short at all of celebrations of its culture, but the Cat Square parade seems a little bit more special to me. I know because almost everyone I know in my hometown has been at least one time and they always have a story about it along with a slight shake of the head, smile, and quick look at the ground.

The parade is a big part of this area around Christmas and a tradition that’s been going strong for years with few people outside of the area taking notice. It’s uniquely ours. It’s the people of the community that keep all this afloat. The parade’s participants and its visitors are the subject of these pictures. A street preacher with a lazy eye handing out tracts, a man selling new and used knives, teenagers watching from their vehicles and younger volunteers in costume or in floats. Just a few people out of the thousands that caught my eye that day and sometimes let me talk to them a little. I’m anxious for next December to come around or the next time I’ll be able to tell my own story about the parade to someone who has never been. 

* * *

Aaron Canipe is a State Guide to North Carolina. He was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina and received his BFA in photography from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. Aaron also helps operate Empty Stretch, a DIY-publisher and blog. He’s exhibited work throughout the South and has been published in the Washington Post and the Oxford American’s “Eye on the South” blog. Follow him on Tumblr at mysteriesmanners and see more work on his website, aaroncanipe.com.

SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
Zoom
SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
Zoom
SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
Zoom
SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
Zoom
SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls. In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels. Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline. The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night. * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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SOUTHERN EXTREME BULL RIDING - ABINGDON, VIRGINIA

Every Tuesday night for several months in the winter, the Washington County Fairgrounds’ largest building is warmed by giant space heaters so that a crowd of hundreds can root for their favorite bull rider. In the front of the building, the crowd sits in the bleachers laughing at the clown who is doing a goofy dance while they wait for the gate to burst open. He chats easily with regulars while throwing down the donated hat in the front that will be “signed” (stomped on) by the upcoming bulls.

In the back of the building, the well-oiled machine comprised of cowboys and locals begins. Bulls are walked through intricate chutes to keep them calm and secure. Eventually, they make their way to the small compartment at the end, just big enough for them to stand. The next man up has been stretching, preparing his personal rope and glove with heated-up rosin. He’s getting in the zone. The usually cocky guys with colorful chaps, wild boots and bull-legged swagger are quiet. They seem to be playing out over and over in their head the perfect eight seconds. Several cowboys stand near for safety reasons. Then, the cowboy slowly lowers down on top of the bull and tightens his rope around the giant beast’s belly. Time slows down and the man nods at the gatekeepers. One man hits the latch. Another man pulls on the lead that has been clipped to the gate so that it flies open. The bull is out, bouncing from his front legs to his back legs, desperately trying to knock the rider off of his back. The rider tries to counter balance and stay upright. If it happens like his vision, he will soon hear a bullhorn and have lasted to the magical eight second mark. And when the horn blows, the rider dismounts and tries to jump free of the spiraling, jumping animal. Then, the bullfighters jump into action and motion in front of the bull — sometimes even tapping their horns — so that the bull will move away from the recently freed rider. Most bulls find the open gate attractive and trot gently back. Sometimes the bulls will not head right in, which is affectionately called “taking a victory lap” — looking for someone or something to bump or chase. The well trained fighters do an intricate dance, the crowd is directed to yell, “go home,” in unison and the cattle dog is called out to nip at his heels.

Other entertainment includes games of skill for the audience and “fan of the night” for the fan who danced and cheered the most. “Mutton Busting” is when young children, who idolize the riders, get their chance to try something similar. They are placed atop a sheep and hang on for dear life while the small animal runs. Some kids fall and immediately burst into tears. A few will jump up and mosey over to the gate to climb over like the big guys. The kid with the highest score will get a crisp ten dollar bill and an itch for adrenaline.

The activities and riding continues for a couple hours. There are triumphs and disappointments and injuries. The night usually ends on a high note with loud music and lots of prizes handed out to the crowd. The cowboys move up and down in ranking from their evenings scores. It all happens again the next Tuesday night.

* * *

Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine.

Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.

LAWLESS: LOVING IT AND NOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA For the traveler—and the local, too—there’s a sort of lawlessness—a coast-to-coast sensation—when you’re in South Florida, below the Lake Okeechobee shoreline. Our guide—Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State, published by the WPA in 1939—says it in plain words: “Florida is at once a continuation of the Deep South and the beginning of a new realm.” And in that new realm, you do whatever the hell it is you want to do. You see it in the faces of those just passing through to the faces of the snowbird, the country cracker, the Miccosukee, the Cuban, the black American—anyone and everyone. But, it’s not that you’re up to no good if you’re in these parts. No, because down here you’ve either been left to yourself or abandoned outright—something you either fought for and won or fought against and lost. That’s the prettiness and the ugliness of the place. Just ask our guide: “Throughout more than four centuries, from Ponce de Leon in his caravels to the latest Pennsylvanian in his Buick”—You can throw in Walt Disney, HMO-barons, spring-break bros and hoes, and sub-prime mortgage lenders—”Florida has been invaded by seekers of gold or of sunshine. The result of all of this is a material and immaterial pattern of infinite variety, replete with contrasts, paradoxes, confusions, and inconsistencies.” “Seekers of gold or of sunshine”—that’s a damn fine line to walk: between the Freedom—with a capital F—that we all seek and the temptations and trappings of its pursuit. It’s all the “seekers of gold or of sunshine” where that lawless feeling comes from. * * * Tom McNamara is the co-editor of THE AMERICAN GUIDE. 
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LAWLESS: LOVING IT AND NOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA For the traveler—and the local, too—there’s a sort of lawlessness—a coast-to-coast sensation—when you’re in South Florida, below the Lake Okeechobee shoreline. Our guide—Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State, published by the WPA in 1939—says it in plain words: “Florida is at once a continuation of the Deep South and the beginning of a new realm.” And in that new realm, you do whatever the hell it is you want to do. You see it in the faces of those just passing through to the faces of the snowbird, the country cracker, the Miccosukee, the Cuban, the black American—anyone and everyone. But, it’s not that you’re up to no good if you’re in these parts. No, because down here you’ve either been left to yourself or abandoned outright—something you either fought for and won or fought against and lost. That’s the prettiness and the ugliness of the place. Just ask our guide: “Throughout more than four centuries, from Ponce de Leon in his caravels to the latest Pennsylvanian in his Buick”—You can throw in Walt Disney, HMO-barons, spring-break bros and hoes, and sub-prime mortgage lenders—”Florida has been invaded by seekers of gold or of sunshine. The result of all of this is a material and immaterial pattern of infinite variety, replete with contrasts, paradoxes, confusions, and inconsistencies.” “Seekers of gold or of sunshine”—that’s a damn fine line to walk: between the Freedom—with a capital F—that we all seek and the temptations and trappings of its pursuit. It’s all the “seekers of gold or of sunshine” where that lawless feeling comes from. * * * Tom McNamara is the co-editor of THE AMERICAN GUIDE. 
Zoom Info
LAWLESS: LOVING IT AND NOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA For the traveler—and the local, too—there’s a sort of lawlessness—a coast-to-coast sensation—when you’re in South Florida, below the Lake Okeechobee shoreline. Our guide—Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State, published by the WPA in 1939—says it in plain words: “Florida is at once a continuation of the Deep South and the beginning of a new realm.” And in that new realm, you do whatever the hell it is you want to do. You see it in the faces of those just passing through to the faces of the snowbird, the country cracker, the Miccosukee, the Cuban, the black American—anyone and everyone. But, it’s not that you’re up to no good if you’re in these parts. No, because down here you’ve either been left to yourself or abandoned outright—something you either fought for and won or fought against and lost. That’s the prettiness and the ugliness of the place. Just ask our guide: “Throughout more than four centuries, from Ponce de Leon in his caravels to the latest Pennsylvanian in his Buick”—You can throw in Walt Disney, HMO-barons, spring-break bros and hoes, and sub-prime mortgage lenders—”Florida has been invaded by seekers of gold or of sunshine. The result of all of this is a material and immaterial pattern of infinite variety, replete with contrasts, paradoxes, confusions, and inconsistencies.” “Seekers of gold or of sunshine”—that’s a damn fine line to walk: between the Freedom—with a capital F—that we all seek and the temptations and trappings of its pursuit. It’s all the “seekers of gold or of sunshine” where that lawless feeling comes from. * * * Tom McNamara is the co-editor of THE AMERICAN GUIDE. 
Zoom Info

LAWLESS: LOVING IT AND NOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

For the traveler—and the local, too—there’s a sort of lawlessness—a coast-to-coast sensation—when you’re in South Florida, below the Lake Okeechobee shoreline.

Our guide—Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State, published by the WPA in 1939—says it in plain words: “Florida is at once a continuation of the Deep South and the beginning of a new realm.”

And in that new realm, you do whatever the hell it is you want to do. You see it in the faces of those just passing through to the faces of the snowbird, the country cracker, the Miccosukee, the Cuban, the black American—anyone and everyone.

But, it’s not that you’re up to no good if you’re in these parts. No, because down here you’ve either been left to yourself or abandoned outright—something you either fought for and won or fought against and lost. That’s the prettiness and the ugliness of the place.

Just ask our guide: “Throughout more than four centuries, from Ponce de Leon in his caravels to the latest Pennsylvanian in his Buick”—You can throw in Walt Disney, HMO-barons, spring-break bros and hoes, and sub-prime mortgage lenders—”Florida has been invaded by seekers of gold or of sunshine. The result of all of this is a material and immaterial pattern of infinite variety, replete with contrasts, paradoxes, confusions, and inconsistencies.”

“Seekers of gold or of sunshine”—that’s a damn fine line to walk: between the Freedom—with a capital F—that we all seek and the temptations and trappings of its pursuit.

It’s all the “seekers of gold or of sunshine” where that lawless feeling comes from.

* * *

Tom McNamara is the co-editor of THE AMERICAN GUIDE. 

DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE  “A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better). Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence. In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area. The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time. Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.    Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck.  * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DOLLYWOOD - TENNESSEE 

“A few years back, when I first started seeing the Hollywood sign, I kept thinking how cute it would be if I could change the H to a D—and see how long it would take anybody to notice. It just popped into my mind that it would be a good name for a park.” - Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville — pronounced SEVERE-ville — Tennessee, to a poor but loving family that included her parents and eleven siblings. It’s tough to pick favorites by a woman who’s written over 3,000 songs, but for a sampling of her best, I recommend the heartbreaking “Jolene”, “Coat of Many Colors” — a classic about her early days — and “I Will Always Love You” (written by Dolly, but you might know Whitney Houston’s 1992 version better).

Dolly stayed true to her Tennessee roots and currently lives in Brentwood, right outside of Nashville. The Nashville bus tours that traverse the city — driving by famous country singers’ homes — often get a big wave from the lady herself when she’s in residence.

In 1986, she co-opened Dollywood, a reincarnation of a lineage of theme parks like Rebel Railroad and Goldrush Junction. Today, Dollywood plays host to over 2.5 million guests a year and is the biggest employer in the Pigeon Forge area.

The park truly embodies her spirit. Guests are welcomed by a kind tram driver who makes jokes and reminds them that they are parked in lot D/E for “Dolly’s Earrings.” Surrounded by beautiful foliage, the park is nestled at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains, which shade it all summer long. It has something for everyone: thrilling rides, country cooking, musical shows and tours through Dolly’s childhood home (not to mention her tour bus when it’s not on the road). Music floats in the air from the outdoor venues and the steam train whistle harmonizes from time to time.

Guide Note: Come May time every year, see Dolly in person at “Dolly’s Homecoming Parade.” Friday, May 10th, will be the 28th annual, and will see Dolly borne by float along the streets of Pigeon Forge with marching bands, baton twirlers, horses, a submarine and a NASCAR race car.   

Just outside of Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop in Sevierville’s town square to see the bronze Dolly statue and, as is the local tradition, rub her boob for good luck. 

* * *

Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine.

Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.

TENT CITY - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA I lived in Las Vegas for 8 months in 2012 and during that time I followed an “Occupy” camp. It was basically a tent camp for various people with no fixed address directly in back of the Vegas Strip. I didn’t come across them until about two weeks before their evacuation from the lot. They’d been sharing it with a bar that used it for overflow parking. By the time I approached the camp to just get a feel of situation and the temperament, it was very clear that the short days of a cold winter spent in patched tents were dragging along. The couple in the photograph were two of the many incredible people living in here that I came into contact with during my days there. * * * Alfred Bernard was born and raised in Baltimore and after living in NYC for 10 years, slipped out to truly recognize his photography. He’s made stops all over and will continue to dot around, but for now he calls Los Angeles home and finds it an amazing place to be photographically. Find him online at alfredbernardphotography.com and follow him on Tumblr at alfredbernardphotography.tumblr.com. This dispatch arrived care of THE AMERICAN GUIDE submission page. Be a guide yourself and send a post from your state: theamericanguide.org/submit.
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TENT CITY - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

I lived in Las Vegas for 8 months in 2012 and during that time I followed an “Occupy” camp. It was basically a tent camp for various people with no fixed address directly in back of the Vegas Strip. I didn’t come across them until about two weeks before their evacuation from the lot. They’d been sharing it with a bar that used it for overflow parking. By the time I approached the camp to just get a feel of situation and the temperament, it was very clear that the short days of a cold winter spent in patched tents were dragging along. The couple in the photograph were two of the many incredible people living in here that I came into contact with during my days there.

* * *

Alfred Bernard was born and raised in Baltimore and after living in NYC for 10 years, slipped out to truly recognize his photography. He’s made stops all over and will continue to dot around, but for now he calls Los Angeles home and finds it an amazing place to be photographically. Find him online at alfredbernardphotography.com and follow him on Tumblr at alfredbernardphotography.tumblr.com.

This dispatch arrived care of THE AMERICAN GUIDE submission page. Be a guide yourself and send a post from your state: theamericanguide.org/submit.

CLIMATE RALLY - WASHINGTON, DC In February, Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke traveled to Washington, DC, with a group of Nebraskans protesting against the Keystone XL pipeline.  Here are Alex’s words: I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people. Does that sound like a terribly midwestern thing to say? But it’s true. I’ve been in Times Square during high traffic, but never in a mob moving together. At times dancing with total strangers because Reverend Yearwood asked you to jump away the cold between speakers.  Most of the Nebraska delegation bussed out arriving the night before the rally. We met in the basement of a local pub for stretching of legs and instructions from organizers at Bold Nebraska. That night we also had an opportunity to hear from speakers who would only be a blip on giant screen at the rally. Congregating in the morning our numbers were quickly diluted as the crowd moved around the White House.  * * * Alex Matzke is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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CLIMATE RALLY - WASHINGTON, DC In February, Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke traveled to Washington, DC, with a group of Nebraskans protesting against the Keystone XL pipeline.  Here are Alex’s words: I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people. Does that sound like a terribly midwestern thing to say? But it’s true. I’ve been in Times Square during high traffic, but never in a mob moving together. At times dancing with total strangers because Reverend Yearwood asked you to jump away the cold between speakers.  Most of the Nebraska delegation bussed out arriving the night before the rally. We met in the basement of a local pub for stretching of legs and instructions from organizers at Bold Nebraska. That night we also had an opportunity to hear from speakers who would only be a blip on giant screen at the rally. Congregating in the morning our numbers were quickly diluted as the crowd moved around the White House.  * * * Alex Matzke is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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CLIMATE RALLY - WASHINGTON, DC In February, Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke traveled to Washington, DC, with a group of Nebraskans protesting against the Keystone XL pipeline.  Here are Alex’s words: I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people. Does that sound like a terribly midwestern thing to say? But it’s true. I’ve been in Times Square during high traffic, but never in a mob moving together. At times dancing with total strangers because Reverend Yearwood asked you to jump away the cold between speakers.  Most of the Nebraska delegation bussed out arriving the night before the rally. We met in the basement of a local pub for stretching of legs and instructions from organizers at Bold Nebraska. That night we also had an opportunity to hear from speakers who would only be a blip on giant screen at the rally. Congregating in the morning our numbers were quickly diluted as the crowd moved around the White House.  * * * Alex Matzke is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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CLIMATE RALLY - WASHINGTON, DC In February, Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke traveled to Washington, DC, with a group of Nebraskans protesting against the Keystone XL pipeline.  Here are Alex’s words: I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people. Does that sound like a terribly midwestern thing to say? But it’s true. I’ve been in Times Square during high traffic, but never in a mob moving together. At times dancing with total strangers because Reverend Yearwood asked you to jump away the cold between speakers.  Most of the Nebraska delegation bussed out arriving the night before the rally. We met in the basement of a local pub for stretching of legs and instructions from organizers at Bold Nebraska. That night we also had an opportunity to hear from speakers who would only be a blip on giant screen at the rally. Congregating in the morning our numbers were quickly diluted as the crowd moved around the White House.  * * * Alex Matzke is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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CLIMATE RALLY - WASHINGTON, DC

In February, Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke traveled to Washington, DC, with a group of Nebraskans protesting against the Keystone XL pipeline.  Here are Alex’s words:

I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people. Does that sound like a terribly midwestern thing to say? But it’s true. I’ve been in Times Square during high traffic, but never in a mob moving together. At times dancing with total strangers because Reverend Yearwood asked you to jump away the cold between speakers. 

Most of the Nebraska delegation bussed out arriving the night before the rally. We met in the basement of a local pub for stretching of legs and instructions from organizers at Bold Nebraska. That night we also had an opportunity to hear from speakers who would only be a blip on giant screen at the rally. Congregating in the morning our numbers were quickly diluted as the crowd moved around the White House. 

* * *

Alex Matzke is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk. There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters). The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night. My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street. Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now! * * * Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine. Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.
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DRAGONCON - ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Bagpipes fill the early morning air in Atlanta, Georgia. Rather than playing a traditional Scottish tune, the players are dressed as Imperial Stormtroopers and playing the Star Wars theme. The band leads thousands of elaborately dressed sci-fi and fantasy fans and cosplayers (short for “costume players”) down Peachtree Street to a rapt crowd about five people deep on the sidewalk.

There are the ever present Star Wars fans, but Dragoncon runs the gamut of literature, games and pop culture. I have seen a gaggle of Lady Gagas, retired Spartans (men with beer bellies and dangling cigarettes wearing 300 gear), various “Dudes” from The Big Lebowski and Bert and Ernie with hyperrealistic features. There are always “Doctors” from Doctor Who, superheroes, wookies and the one guy who looks like Ferris Bueller. It is always interesting to see what phases out (the Mad Max crew were woefully absent from the 2012 parade) and what gets huge (2012 finally saw a group of The Venture Bros. characters).

The four day festival spreads out between five downtown Atlanta hotels every Labor Day weekend. Guests follow tracks to optimize their panel viewing and choose the right fit from the thousands of hours of programming. Options include YA Lit, Robotics, Alternate History and Horror, among others. Some stand in line for photos of their favorite actors and entertainers ranging from FX master Tom Savini to Luke Perry (who couldn’t have been cooler). There are many special events during the weekend, too, like dressing up and going to the Georgia Aquarium and indie wrestling at night.

My favorite thing to do is walk around downtown after the parade on Saturday, after people have filed away to eat at the food court or find a panel. The city bustles along—you can even see a stray Macho Man Randy Savage strutting around or find Waldo in his signature red stripes running across the street.

Dragoncon 2013 is August 30 to September 2. Start planning your costume now!

* * *

Tammy Mercure is a State Guide to Tennessee. She was recently named one of the “100 under 100: The New Superstars of Southern Art” by Oxford American magazine.

Follow on Tumblr at tammymercure or on her website, TammyMercure.com. Support her work at TCB Press.

M4M - NORTHPORT, MAINE

The Maine Yankee is not nearly so taciturn as a stranger might at first consider him, but it is a rule that words are not to be wasted.

— Maine, A Guide ‘Down East’ (WPA, 1937)

This is a short doc about one man trying to find love in the middle of nowhere Maine.  

Epilogue: Bob emailed me on Valentines Day to let me know he got a response on his Craig’s List add from a guy in Tennessee. The guy is coming up to Maine to visit Bob for a month in April. And he said he’s very excited to start a relationship. He has a date! And at the very end of the email he added, “So see maybe you changed my luck.”

* * *

Barton Girdwood is a peer educator and independent multimedia producer based in Bloomington, IN. Outside his studies, he helps direct American Student Radio, an online publication and educational resource for high school and college students. You can find him on Twitter, on Tumblr at americanstudentradio, and on SoundCloud.

This dispatch arrived care of THE AMERICAN GUIDE submission page. Be a guide yourself and send a post from your state: theamericanguide.org/submit.
WIND RIVER DANCERS On Jan. 21, eight dancers and three drummers from the Wind River Indian Reservation represented Wyoming in President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parade. They were the state’s only representatives. On the left is Dean Littleshield, 20. He has danced since he could walk and went to D.C. with his dad, Fergie, and brother, Patrick. He wears a Superman symbol around his neck, hand-beaded by his mom.  Why Superman? “I have like six more at the house. I go all over and people say, just like what you did, ‘Ah, I love that.’ It just makes me feel good because I have something to represent my mom. She did all the bead work on my outfit. It feels so good to see how much she cares, how much she loves all of us.” On the right is Christie Wildcat, 14. She wears 365 jingles on her dress. When she dances the Medicine Dance, the jingles “sing” a healing song for every day of the year. The jingles are cut from Skoll cans, folded into cones and sewn on one by one.  For whom do you dance? ”I dance for the people who can’t dance, like the elders, the disabled, for my family, for the non-natives who would like to dance. I don’t dance for myself or the contest money. I dance for my culture to keep it alive. It’s like a passion. When I’m out there I always think of my family. I dance like I’m one with the drum.” (Ed. note: This is an excerpt from a longer feature on the Wind River Dancers in the Casper Star-Tribune. The Wind River Dancers are still trying to raise $10,000 to pay for their trip to D.C. For more on making a donation and to see a portrait gallery of other dancers, click here.) — Interview by Kristy Gray, Star-Tribune Features Editor; Portraits by Dan Cepeda, Star-Tribune Photographer * * * The features staff of the Casper Star-Tribune — editor Kristy Gray, outdoors reporter Christine Peterson and reporter Benjamin Storrow — are State Guides to Wyoming. The Star-Tribune is Wyoming’s only statewide newspaper and you can follow the adventures of the features folks at tribfeatures.tumblr.com and find the Star-Tribune at www.trib.com.
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WIND RIVER DANCERS On Jan. 21, eight dancers and three drummers from the Wind River Indian Reservation represented Wyoming in President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parade. They were the state’s only representatives. On the left is Dean Littleshield, 20. He has danced since he could walk and went to D.C. with his dad, Fergie, and brother, Patrick. He wears a Superman symbol around his neck, hand-beaded by his mom.  Why Superman? “I have like six more at the house. I go all over and people say, just like what you did, ‘Ah, I love that.’ It just makes me feel good because I have something to represent my mom. She did all the bead work on my outfit. It feels so good to see how much she cares, how much she loves all of us.” On the right is Christie Wildcat, 14. She wears 365 jingles on her dress. When she dances the Medicine Dance, the jingles “sing” a healing song for every day of the year. The jingles are cut from Skoll cans, folded into cones and sewn on one by one.  For whom do you dance? ”I dance for the people who can’t dance, like the elders, the disabled, for my family, for the non-natives who would like to dance. I don’t dance for myself or the contest money. I dance for my culture to keep it alive. It’s like a passion. When I’m out there I always think of my family. I dance like I’m one with the drum.” (Ed. note: This is an excerpt from a longer feature on the Wind River Dancers in the Casper Star-Tribune. The Wind River Dancers are still trying to raise $10,000 to pay for their trip to D.C. For more on making a donation and to see a portrait gallery of other dancers, click here.) — Interview by Kristy Gray, Star-Tribune Features Editor; Portraits by Dan Cepeda, Star-Tribune Photographer * * * The features staff of the Casper Star-Tribune — editor Kristy Gray, outdoors reporter Christine Peterson and reporter Benjamin Storrow — are State Guides to Wyoming. The Star-Tribune is Wyoming’s only statewide newspaper and you can follow the adventures of the features folks at tribfeatures.tumblr.com and find the Star-Tribune at www.trib.com.
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WIND RIVER DANCERS

On Jan. 21, eight dancers and three drummers from the Wind River Indian Reservation represented Wyoming in President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parade. They were the state’s only representatives.

On the left is Dean Littleshield, 20. He has danced since he could walk and went to D.C. with his dad, Fergie, and brother, Patrick. He wears a Superman symbol around his neck, hand-beaded by his mom. 

Why Superman? “I have like six more at the house. I go all over and people say, just like what you did, ‘Ah, I love that.’ It just makes me feel good because I have something to represent my mom. She did all the bead work on my outfit. It feels so good to see how much she cares, how much she loves all of us.”

On the right is Christie Wildcat, 14. She wears 365 jingles on her dress. When she dances the Medicine Dance, the jingles “sing” a healing song for every day of the year. The jingles are cut from Skoll cans, folded into cones and sewn on one by one. 

For whom do you dance? ”I dance for the people who can’t dance, like the elders, the disabled, for my family, for the non-natives who would like to dance. I don’t dance for myself or the contest money. I dance for my culture to keep it alive. It’s like a passion. When I’m out there I always think of my family. I dance like I’m one with the drum.”

(Ed. note: This is an excerpt from a longer feature on the Wind River Dancers in the Casper Star-Tribune. The Wind River Dancers are still trying to raise $10,000 to pay for their trip to D.C. For more on making a donation and to see a portrait gallery of other dancers, click here.)

— Interview by Kristy Gray, Star-Tribune Features Editor; Portraits by Dan Cepeda, Star-Tribune Photographer

* * *

The features staff of the Casper Star-Tribune — editor Kristy Gray, outdoors reporter Christine Peterson and reporter Benjamin Storrow — are State Guides to Wyoming. The Star-Tribune is Wyoming’s only statewide newspaper and you can follow the adventures of the features folks at tribfeatures.tumblr.com and find the Star-Tribune at www.trib.com.

MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size. —Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941) I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.   * * * Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 
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MARDI GRAS - LAKE ARTHUR, LOUISIANA

LAKE ARTHUR, 58.6 m. (8 alt., 1,602 pop.), is on the northern edge of the lake of the same name, in reality a widening of Mermentau River. Lake Arthur, settled largely by people of French descent from the older sections of Louisiana, was of some importance as early as 1890, when its first newspaper, the Lake Arthur Herald, was published. A long municipal pier extends into the lake, and a park stretches along the lake shore. Large moss-draped live oaks lend beauty to the town. … Neighboring waters abound with fish, especially cat, which grow to enormous size.

—Louisiana, A Guide To the State (WPA, 1941)

I started going when my band mate, Byron Sonnier, asked me if I’d be interested in attending his home town’s Mardi Gras celebration. I never turn down a good party so naturally I obliged. I have been attending for five years now. His family are like family to me at this point. I love them all and love the town and plan on attending as long as I can. These photos are a select few from the five years of documentation.  

* * *

Wes Frazer is a photographer who, when not photographing things, may be found swimming in rivers, attempting to surf, riding his motorcycle, or playing with his dog Bob. Wes grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he still lives. You can also find him online at wesfrazer.org, wesfrazer.tumblr.com, Instagram, and Twitter. 

LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR …on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing. — California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939) This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents. (Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.) * * * Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.
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LA COUNTY FAIR

…on the northwest are the 175-acre LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS, since 1922 the scene of what the exposition’s literature calls “the biggest county fair in America.” Half-a-million visitors flock in annually in September to see agricultural, horticultural, livestock, domestic arts, educational, machinery, and arts and crafts exhibits, as well as poultry, rabbits, and dairy produce. Thousands of entries compete for prizes against a carnival background. On the half-mile track, with its huge grandstand, is pari-mutuel racing.

— California, A Guide To the Golden State (WPA, 1939)

This past summer my girlfriend Vanessa and I hit the Los Angeles County Fair on one of its last days running. We found the entire set up to be more than inspiring as we had our cameras to our eyes most of the night. Our goal: document everything! From sticky fingered children to old couples continuing a So Cal tradition, the LA County Fair had an amazing blend of California residents.

(Ed. note: The LA County fair usually opens at the end of August and lasts for the month of September.)

* * *

Nick Jojola is a State Guide to California and the Southwest. Follow him on Tumblr at nhjojola and shotonthespot and on Twitter.

WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE) Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time.  * * * Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.
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WARREN, RHODE ISLAND (PART ONE)

Warren is one of the smallest towns in the smallest state. Sitting on a peninsula between two rivers and a ton of salt marshes, it’s about ten miles up Narragansett Bay off the open water. It was a whaling town for a while, but historically, has always been a center for ship building and marine support industries, which is extremely evident everywhere you look in town. All the yards have boats in them, and behind all the houses on the west side of Water Street dozens of ship yards, repair shops, dry docks, etc, are jammed between the houses and the saltwater. It’s a pretty awesome town. It’s definitely stuck in time. 

* * *

Michael Cevoli is your Guide to New England. He was born in raised in Norfolk County, Massachusetts and now lives and works out of a sea shanty on Narragansett Bay. He’s a commercial and editorial photographer and you can follow his work on Tumblr at michaelcevoli or on his website, MichaelCevoli.com.

GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops. The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year. The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex. Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University. On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm) Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside). The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities. * * *  Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 
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GANESHA TEMPLE, QUEENS

Intricately carved rooftop gopurams (towers) rise above the Ganesha Temple, soaring over the neighborhood’s detached houses, backyard kiddie pools, and Q27 bus stops.

The Hindu Temple Society of North America’s Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, or Ganesha Temple in Flushing, Queens (45-57 Bowne St) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Hindu temples, claiming more than 20,000 devotees on its rolls. It conducts daily services, holds classes and events in its community center, and hosts festival celebrations throughout the year.

The Temple Society was formed in 1970, and early services were conducted in a small frame house on the site of today’s temple. A larger structure was completed in 1977 and multi-million dollar renovations in the 2000s included the installation of thousands of tons of granite carved in India by hundreds of artisans and reconstructed at the Flushing complex.

Lord Ganeša, Hinduism’s elephant-headed god, is the presiding deity of the Queens temple, but more than 40 others are worshipped there, as well. “Interior spaces of American Hindu temples are designed to be more communal as compared with the intimate spaces within traditional Hindu temples,” says Mary McGee, Associate Professor of Classical Hinduism at Columbia University.

On sunny mornings in the Ganesha Temple, adherents make their way to the shrines through the brilliant spears of light admitted by numerous skylights, but the sense of community in the main temple area penetrates even to the fluorescent-lit basement vegetarian canteen. There, kitchen staff serve up both food offerings for temple deities and delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes for cafeteria-goers. (Generally open 8:30am-9:00pm)

Visitors are welcome to the Ganesha Temple, but are expected to respectfully follow temple rules (e.g. shoes are not allowed inside).

The above photos were taken during ceremonies to infuse divine energy into temple statues after renovation. Before an admiring crowd, Minnie the elephant paraded to the temple as a manifestation of Lord Ganeša. On the building’s roof, priests poured holy baths of water, milk, and honey onto temple deities.

* * * 

Erin Chapman is co-editor of the American Guide. 

SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one. —New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940) Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region.  * * * Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.
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SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one. —New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940) Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region.  * * * Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.
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SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one. —New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940) Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region.  * * * Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.
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SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one. —New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940) Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region.  * * * Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.
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SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one. —New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940) Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region.  * * * Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.
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SODUS POINT AND SURROUNDINGS

SODUS POINT (bathing, boating, picnicking) 0 m. (224 alt., 525 pop.), is a popular summer resort on Sodus Bay. On June 19, 1813, Sir James Yeo, War of 1812 commander of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, descended upon Sodus Point and landed a looting party, which overcame the defenders and burned every building but one.

—New York, A Guide To the Empire State (WPA, 1940)

Two hundred years post-looting, your Guide to New York, Martina Albertazzi, sends a photo dispatch from the shores of Lake Ontario and the surrounding region. 

* * *

Martina Albertazzi is a Guide to New York and New Jersey. She’s a freelance photographer who was born in Rome, but has now settled in New York City. Other than photography, her biggest interests are: her dog Ugo, people, good food, good wine, and books. Follow her on Tumblr at martina-albertazzi.tumblr.com.

FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball… My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held.  We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games. * * * ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.
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FAMILY GATHERING - NEBRASKA

If you’re a Midwesterner or a Southerner, football watching and its accompanying trappings of alumni nostalgia, rival trash talk, and the wearing of the colors may be an obligatory part of any family get-together. Before tonight’s BCS Championship game, whether you go Irish or roll Tide, check out the latest dispatch from A/G Guide to Nebraska Alex Matzke whose family arranges their big holiday gathering based on where the Huskers will play Thanksgiving ball…

My grandfather and his three siblings started the yearly tradition of Matzke Thanksgiving with their families in 1963 in Sidney, Nebraska. In more recent memory we’ve stuck close to the Husker football game oscillating between Denver and Lincoln (44 of 50 held in Nebraska). With the Husker’s 2011 move to the Big 10 we’re still unsure where Matzke Thanksgiving 2013 will be held. 

We outgrew family homes before I can remember attending the annual event. We stay together in hotels now—congregating in communal conference rooms, sharing meals around televised spectacles, and competing in our own brand of Olympic games.

* * *

ALEX MATZKE is a State Guide to Nebraska. Growing up in Omaha, her friends showed livestock at State Fair; she showed photographs. Follow her on Tumblr at alexmatzke and alzke or on her website, AlexMatzke.com.