Now That's Entertainment

We still have piles of snow around the house and the temperature is below freezing.  Jon buys us tickets to a local fundraiser for the local school held in the bus garage.  I think, "No way, I'll stay in tonight."  But it is a good school, and a good cause, so guilt gets me out of the house.  The theme is "Country" which means come dressed in jeans and boots.  I have never seen so much flannel in one place, paired with down vests.  Although this is everyday wear, some guests don't want to be cheated out of the chance to dress up.  There are several overalls, coveralls and one couple in full Amish traditional dress. 

The first item of business is the silent auction.  I am new to this business and get quite carried away.  I find myself bidding on everything from homemade jam and pickles, electronics and a pedicure.  I remind myself that I never win anything and go around again, upping my bids.  When I meet up with Jon by the Walking Taco Bar, I find that he has been talked into buying half a hog.  Many of the baskets in the auction were donated by people I knew, and I did find myself feeling sorry for those with low bids.
I ended up with two lots much to my husbands despair: a set of building blocks and Thing 1&2 knitted hats.  I reminded him that it was all for a good cause, but I secretly realized that bidding is so much more fun when you actually end up with the prize. 
The bus garage is not a cheerful location and not much had been done to fancy it up.  There was no lack of cheer however, as there was a bar. I am not a beer drinker so I ordered wine.  It did come from a bottle, but was poured into a plastic cup.  The room was wall to wall people, standing, talking and drinking.  I could hardly weave my way across to the bar. 

This changed as the entertainment started up.  Two guitarists played loud tunes that echoed across the room.  Some danced, other tried to shout over the din.  I found conversation impossible and wandered over to the stage.  A character straight out of "The Witness" was strutting his stuff in a form of rhythmic gymnastics.  We laughed and then cringed when a shy young man attempted the same.  We were enjoying the sight, while appreciating the fact that it wasn't us up there twirling the ribbons. And when the band started playing "FOOTLOOSE" I suddenly knew I was in a scene from a movie, far from my usual entertaining pastimes.
In the end I was glad I went, just like I am glad I make the effort to go to the gym.  In the winter of Minnesota, there is a need to force yourself to go out just for a change of scene.  It is a smart community that realizes that we all need that push to get up off the couch, meet face to face, spend some money and act a little silly.  And you can't wait till Spring arrives to get something done...