It's time for Binghamton, New York's eighth annual Porchfest. I was going to do my normal annual post:
What is a porchfest? It's a neighborhood celebration of music and the arts, organized by the community. People open up their porches to musicians, who play half hour or hour sets. Some streets close. It's a massive undertaking and my congratulations go to all the hard working volunteers and people who get it done every year, in the tradition of the first Porchfest, held in Ithaca, New York in 2007.
The first Porchfest in Binghamton was in 2015, with 50 bands on 20 porches, and wasn't even officially sanctioned by the City of Binghamton. Today, there will be 162 bands on 63 porches, stoops, driveways, or other venues, all between (officially) noon and 7pm. It's family friendly, alcohol free (although there are restaurants serving alcohol) and best of all, FREE. Although, contributions and purchase of T-Shirts and other merchandise is more than welcomed.
Time for enjoyment!
But then, this morning, we found a fraudulent charge on our debit card account (alas, our modern life) and getting this reported on a Sunday was a bit of a process. And, just as we discovered this charge, I got a text from someone I've worked with, letting me know that her father had passed away.
It was expected, as he had been declining, but still....
Just a reminder from the universe that a fraudulent charge isn't the worst thing that can happen to someone.
So, we'll be leaving in a few minutes to enjoy some sun and music.
...Rochester's Park Avenue neighborhood had a similar festival. It became so big and successful, it was discontinued.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. And yeah, fraudulent charges are a royal pain, but not the worst thing in the world
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a wonderful time at Porchfest. Sorry about the card. My landlady seems to get fraudulent charges on her card every six months or so, and it's a process. Yikes. Sorry about your friend's father.
ReplyDeletePorchfest sounds a wonderful experience to have
ReplyDeleteYou just reminded me. We are having a porchfest in our neighborhood, tonight.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good day turned sour quickly. I knew my Dad was dying yet still felt shocked when it happened. There is something about losing a parent that we will never be ready for. (((Hugs)))
It would be hard to have porchfest in my neighborhood. Neighbors to far apart.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on, and stay safe.