I think 2008 was the third annual Tangerine Festival.  This spontaneous carnival in Riverside is a perfect example of why I feel so at home in this community.  The organizers are not swaggering around.  There are no special attendees.  There is no syllabus.  It is an organic assembly for the sake of community.

Andrea was out of town for a baby shower in Atlanta, and I was throwing a Poker / Birthday Party of my friend John at 3 PM, so I was only able to attend for a few hours.  The weather was more reminiscent of a Seattle Winter's Day, overcast, damp and chilly, but I was glad to see there were about 40 to 60 people in attendance when I arrived at 11 AM.

I brought my 'Bubble Thing' to entertain the kids and as a means to strike up conversation with strangers.  So for a few hours, I made giant bubbles, watched kids play and made a few new friends.  I've included a few pictures from my camera phone, in my photo album.  Special commendation is due to the young women in IMAGE_00110.  We bartered a bubble lesson for a 'hoolah hoop' lesson.  Now I'm nearly 33 years old, and the act of 'hoolah hooping' has always eluded me.  I wish I had a picture from the moment I realized I was actually doing it.

If you live in Jacksonville and you stumble across an advertisement for the Tangerine Festival 20xx, you should come.  You'll be welcome, and I bet you'll be surprised at how much fun you'll have.  Thanks to the organizers, but special thanks to the people who attended.  You make this place feel like home.