The annual, expensive, run-by-students-trying-to-get-volunteer-hours Troy Daze is held in the space between two (rundown) parking lots. Every year, they clear out the area behind the library and pitch tents, Ferris wheels, and “rides” with rusting control switches; people in bright green shirts usually operate them, sighing discontentedly at the crowds of wandering teenagers. The safety of these contraptions is questionable, to say the least, and the irony of closing a library to build an amusement park (even if only for a few days) is not lost on me. Troy is not a tourist town, perse, but for Troy Daze, everyone pretends it is; middle schoolers boldly inform their parents of their plans to go there without parental supervision, and businesses and organizations from around town ‘sponsor’ the event*.
Vendors set up shop along the longest lines, attempting to draw attention with gaudy signs and flashing lights. They sell burgers, lemonade, fries, even the infamous “elephant ears” for prices so high that, in an effort to alleviate the buyers’ remorse, customers convince themselves the food tastes better than it does. Towards the end of the night, when the middle schoolers have been picked up by their parents and the fireworks have ended, the distinct smell of vapes and burnt cigarettes floats through the air, leaving you to cough, cover your nose, or attempt to creep towards the children’s section of the fair**.
At the top of the Ferris Wheel, gazing down at the hospital grade fluorescent lighting, it’s hard not to question the purpose of the whole spectacle. Gazing through the camera of their phones, excited groups point out the especially remarkable fireworks*** and pretend to enjoy themselves on ephemeral roller coasters that were constructed yesterday and will be taken down tomorrow. It’s almost marvelous how ignorant we remain of our own futility; and it’s strange how often we confuse fear for joy and adrenaline for excitement.
Vendors set up shop along the longest lines, attempting to draw attention with gaudy signs and flashing lights. They sell burgers, lemonade, fries, even the infamous “elephant ears” for prices so high that, in an effort to alleviate the buyers’ remorse, customers convince themselves the food tastes better than it does. Towards the end of the night, when the middle schoolers have been picked up by their parents and the fireworks have ended, the distinct smell of vapes and burnt cigarettes floats through the air, leaving you to cough, cover your nose, or attempt to creep towards the children’s section of the fair**.
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* for the mere price of decorating the entire grounds with their logo.
** not that moving away helps; Troy Daze isn’t known for its expansive nature. And, to make matters worse, upon arriving at the kiddie amusement park, you find yourself amidst a plethora of ethical quandaries. The dull horses strapped to a circular apparatus, strolling dejectedly for hours on end reminds you to call PETA in the morning and report the animal abuse, and the sheer lack of adults nearby makes you feel like a child predator.
*** that cause so much pollution, the smoke and smell linger for the next twenty minutes.
** not that moving away helps; Troy Daze isn’t known for its expansive nature. And, to make matters worse, upon arriving at the kiddie amusement park, you find yourself amidst a plethora of ethical quandaries. The dull horses strapped to a circular apparatus, strolling dejectedly for hours on end reminds you to call PETA in the morning and report the animal abuse, and the sheer lack of adults nearby makes you feel like a child predator.
*** that cause so much pollution, the smoke and smell linger for the next twenty minutes.
Wow! I love the imagery you used in this piece; it's both captivating and descriptive at the same time. I've always remembered Troy Daze as an event that everyone attended and had a great time at. However, you wrote about Troy Daze through a completely different lens, illuminating the nuance of the fair through a more mature perspective. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this blog!
ReplyDeleteYour creativity to add stars that could otherwise be interruptions is innovative and refreshing. Especially the call Peta in the morning line, quite humorous. The diction is off the chart here, gaudy, alleviate, and much more. I always enjoy the new words and the common usage of precise words to fit the atmosphere you are describing. Overall, fun read, and def ruined a bit of my child hood but that's all good : )
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