Local Colors Is Diminished, 

but It's Back; Let's Celebrate!

This is more typical of Local Colors than most of what went on today. She is representing Scotland.

The best you can say about today's annual Local Colors festival is that it happened. It didn't completely happen, but there were some cultures represented and a nice crowd gathered to eat ethnic food.

What didn't happen is what makes this festival special: the parade of nations and the native entertainment from as many as 126 nations at one point. This festival is more than a quarter of a century old and little has even slowed it down until Covid-19.

But we are coming out of that and hints of our own American culture are showing through. Local Colors was not what it has been, nor what it will be again, but I certainly welcome it. Pearl Fu, who led it for 25 years, would be proud.

My friend Susan (left) and her friend, Michelle, found Mediterranean and Thai food to love.

These young lovers weren't holding
 hands because their hands held cell phones.

This dude found the solitude he wanted under a bridge in the park, fishing for trout.

These young teens carried their gear
to a softball tournament in the park.

Carilion's Lifeguard helicopter made an unscheduled stop.

My Viking friend Jeff Rigdon has
been part of most Local Colors festivals.

That's old buds Jeff and me.

I had difficulty believing this lovely bagpipe
player is older than 50. But she said she is.

I am Scottish, but the bagpipe doesn't do much for me.

She put her all into playing.

The crowd was spread out at Local Colors, most people eating or wanting to eat.

I found one redhead. Just one. Dang.

These are only some of the local colors.