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| Crab Carnival 2008 |
Is that a good sentence to start a book? Probably not.
But it really is a cold and rainy day in Virginia, and the next day or so promise to bring even more of the same kind of inclement weather. For one of only two or three times in its long history, the West Point Crab Carnival has been cancelled. The Occasion for the Arts in Williamsburg has also been cancelled. The Williamsburg Book Festival at nearby Bruton Parish Church will go on as planned but with definitely less potential to draw big crowds.
In past years, I've participated in all three events. Once, long ago, at the Occasion for the Arts, I crouched for many hours beneath a sheet of plastic, protecting a selection of tug boat paintings, both under glass and on canvas.
Three years ago, I was one of the authors seated behind a mound of books at the first Williamsburg Book Festival. Because the event was in a location not close to the main activities that day, authors made very few sales. It was a discouraging day for profits, yet it was fun to be with other authors.
I'm sorry about the craftspeople who have worked so hard over the past months to create all sorts of items for sale. Many crafts are crab items which are a main stay for the Crab Carnival but more difficult to sell elsewhere.
If we avoid the dangers of a major hurricane, that is a good thing. We'll recall the sunny days and beautiful weather from past Carnivals and book signing events. Perhaps Christmas on the Town activities in our communities will help make up for the October losses. A cold and rainy day is actually a very good time to paint, craft, or write.
Perhaps that is a very good line to start a book.
"It's a cold and rainy day."
