“Fascination ”

“ This past Saturday evening I took in a couple of the festivals put on by two local churches as alternatives to traditional Halloween festivities. Both festivals were well attended and once again reminded me that the volunteer spirit is alive and well in our local community. These events don’t just accidently happen. A ton of planning and preparation goes into putting on a successful event.

For all the enjoyment that everyone seemed to derive from these events, two moments stood out in my mind. At First Baptist Church’s Hallow Him Festival a big crowd was on hand and enjoyed entertainment, numerous activities, boiled peanuts, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. Also there was a life flight helicopter from Sacred Heart Hospital. Visitors were invited to see the helicopter up close and learn more about the mission of the life flight helicopters.

The main attraction seemed to have occurred though when the helicopter made its departure. Most of the other activities came to a stop and hundreds of folks gathered to watch the helicopter take off. It began with the slow revving up of the chopper blades. As the blades gradually increased in speed, the wind likewise began to pick up. It culminated when the pilots went to full throttle for lift off. Folks had to hang on to their hats and everything else to keep them from blowing away. As the helicopter lifted off the ground it made a full rotation so that all could get a glimpse of the pilots in action. The crowd, young and old a like, gave a round of applause to express their delight. And then the chopper went up, up and away, kind of like Superman.

After leaving First Baptist I journeyed to Citizen’s Lodge Park where Evangel Worship Center was hosting a Halleluiah Festival. A large crowd was on hand for this festival as well, and likewise were treated to a host of activities, food, fun and entertainment. The evening culminated with a fireworks show over the pond at the park.

Like the helicopter’s departure, the fireworks show had young and old alike watching with delight. Folks gazed into the cool clear fall evening to watch round after round of fireworks light up the sky. And as usual there was a thundering finale that had the crowd cheering. And when the last firework was gone, the crowd gave a round of applause to express their enjoyment.

This certainly was not the first time I had watched a helicopter take off or watch a fireworks show. But as I watched the crowds that evening it struck me that no matter our age, most of us are still fascinated by flight and by fireworks. Fascination is one of the little pleasures in life and Simply Put, I hope we never lose that fascination.

From the front porch: Uncle Bob said it is a fine line between being warmed up and worn out.