Students go back to school this week;
city sponsors downtown festival
By Tracy Farr
Editor, The Daily Spittoon
When the last student exits Bus No. 6 and the tardy bell rings at Stinky Creek High School,
parents from all over the county will head to the annual "School Days Are Here
Again" Festival held in downtown Stinky Creek.
The Festival, which is a tradition that dates back to the
early 1950s, is a much needed relief for parents who have had a long,
frustrating summer with a household of "bored" children.
"Every summer is the same," Georganne Sims said. "It
doesn't matter where we go or what we do, they are always complaining that there
isn't anything to do and that they are bored. It's hard work trying to
keep them occupied, and even though I hate to admit it, I'm glad they're back in
school."
According to Mayor Herbert Reese, the "School Days Are Here
Again" Festival is designed for parents just like Mrs. Sims.
"These parents are tired of breaking up fights, tired of
playing house in quilt tents set up in their living rooms, and tired of
restocking the icebox with popsicles every other day," Reese said. "The
Festival signifies another school year has begun, and gives parents a chance to
let their hair down after a long summer."
The Festival began in 1952 when a group of neighboring
parents secretly got together to celebrate their children's return to school.
Over the years, more and more parents gathered together and turned the "closet"
celebration into a full-blown much-anticipated event. Today, throngs of parents
gather in downtown Stinky Creek and count down the final seconds before the
tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m.
"It's almost as good as being at Times Square for New
Years," said Joyce Limpet, a 39-year-old mother of two. "When that bell
rings, people throw confetti, blow horns, hug their neighbors, and dance wildly
in the streets. And then the shopping begins."
This year, 39 vendors will be present at the event.
Mayor Reese returns once again as Master of Ceremonies, and this year's
entertainment will be provided by The Stinky Creek Jazz Band on the main stage.
Teachers are encouraged to attend during their conference
time.
