Ashley Marie: Festivities

The past few weeks I have landed in the magical land of festivals, music, and fireworks! Let me take you through my journey across the universe of Festivities.

The first stop? The biggest music festival in Boise! Featuring Train, Fitz and the Tantrums, and LMFAO's Sky Blue! Lemonade and beer were everywhere! The place was infested with pre-teens in crop tops and high top shorts. I stood on the side, behind a sign, and watched the waves of people roll by. I stood in a lemonade stand where handmade, hand squeezed original, berry, and mint lemonade were made and given to those willing to pay. As the night appeared, and the sun began to set, It was time to leave my home of a stand and join the pre-teens at the main concert stage. The concert was wonderful! Fitz and the Tantrums were splendid and Train was incredible! As the night closed in, I left to find myself in the worst bundle of cars. Sitting in a hot car for nearly two hours with no movement from anyone, and just a bunch of angry people sweating and swearing. So...I parked and walked across the street, and go a family member to take me home. A few hours and a camp fire later, we went back to fetch my car..where the place was filled with empty parked cars from all the drunk people.

The Idaho Classic...Ice Cream Potato (not a real potato...all ice cream goodness)

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS

TRAIN

The next location is the God and Country Festival. A christian concert featuring Audio Adrenaline, Ryan Stevenson, and Esterlyn. After a long trip out of the extreme heat to Walmart, we sat up close to the stage and waited for the best concert with a peaceful sunset. Audio Adrenaline led us to moving to the front of the crowd jumping up and down, and laughing our heads off. As the concert's winded down, we moved to the parking lot to watch a dazzling fireworks show just above a field. Once again, we left with a crowd of cars but this time...we were in front and got out in no time!

Three of my best friends.

Two days later was the...wait for it...Fourth of July! Ill be honest with you...I did nothing the entire day...until 5 o'clock, then the fun never seized to end. Myself and another set a journey to a nearby town to purchase fireworks for the evening, ate some hot dogs for an american dinner, set off some fireworks, then went to see Boise's sensational fireworks held at the somewhat famous park of Ann Morrison. The sun was setting beautifully, the swarm of children, adults, and teenagers began to calm down, as it was time for the fireworks display. Our four blankets were laid out, and each person claimed a spot as there own. A flock of lite up dragonflies were carried by and took the muster's attention toward them. Finally, the sun was set and the fireworks began! It started with one erupting on the ground, and the rest soared high into the night sky. The smell of fireworks soon filled the air, and it was time for part two of the night. The crowd was led to cross a small walking bridge which meant hundreds of people trying to get over it...the worst was those people with big rolly things...dang people. Marco-Polo was heard from all around, and late night daredevils were swimming in the river. We were off to light off our own fireworks! The night was warm and our adventurous, pyromaniac-tic spirits were released. It was then time for part three of this late night celebration. It was off to one of the ladies homes for a good old fashion sleepover...or not. Turned out to be one of those "laugh at nothing for hours" kind of nights, and we stayed up until 6am! Curious how random the night really was? well...we created a song about the following..."lobster sandwiches" *patent pending* (PS: we truly were all completely sober...we are just strange kiddos enjoying life like no other)

My friends and I are so close...I am so incredibly blessed to have each and every one of them in my life!

Finally, at the Village in Meridian, they hold free concerts every Friday night called Rock the Village! As I strolled on by with my friend, we stopped to watch with the city the band Stone in Love, a Journey tribute band.

All around Boise you can find many free concert series throughout the summer.

So, my friends, I guess the lesson here, is that the festivities may never end. The definition of Festivity is "the celebration of something in a joyful and exuberant way". Every day can be a festivity if you think about it. You celebrate your life, your love, your joy, your friendships and family, and of course you celebrate the things that make you happy. Well my friends, I hope you all have endless days filled with endless festivities.