After happily reporting the grand success of this past weekend's Mumkinfest, I must say that I'm a bit discouraged by some of the feedback I've received. Most of the respondents have been accepting.. if a bit haltingly.. of the fact of the event. Although I'm not convinced they fully understand it.
But some have expressed the more acidic opinion through their comments and emails that Mumkinfest is some sort of farce staged as a kind of sulk-in to protest the exorbitant price of a Jazzfest ticket. Others question whether or not the event took place at all. Persons expressing such opinions are either suffering from a dark pitiable cynicism... or perhaps.. just don't know me all that well.
So, in the interest of providing clarity to the confused.. and answers to the critics, it is my pleasure to present:
In Pictures
The inaugural Mumkinfest was a spirited (and at times spiritual) event where New Orleanians gathered to celebrate the annual appearance of the Buckmoth Caterpillar with a grand fesitval featuring:
Original Art
And also crafts
In addition to the the thrilling grill assembly depicted above, festival crafts also involved origami swans (not pictured) which, as it turns out, are excellent mumkin herders.
Games
After the festival, the basketball hoop actually lasted less than three days before being stolen in the night by passing vandals (causing me to lose a bet). The snake (or, if you will, caterpillar) themed water cannon proved useful for dousing the coals once the grill was no longer necessary.
A sermon
Mr. C (at left) is a part-time employee of several businesses in the French Quarter where he also sings to tourists for tips. He is something of a philosopher/born-again Christian/mystic who is also a "certified minister"... in Texas. He spoke at length on the places he has visited (many of these in Texas), his long and varied work experience, and the many unusual ways in which God has revealed Himself to him over the years. The lecture may have continued into the evening if not interrupted by an associate of Mr. C's who announced that it was time to go down to Harrah's for "some of that free money".
Food.. lots and lots of food
More pork chops and hot dogs. Regrettably not pictured are the strawberry shortcake and cheesecake graciously contributed by the upstairs neighbor, Luka. Since Luka declined to have her picture taken (something about stealing her soul) it followed that her food may have a similar objection.
Peripheral elements aside, Mumkinfest is primarily about mumkins themselves. And so a pair of worthy competitors took center stage in the first annual Mumkinfest caterpillar race.
The course
The contestants
And they're off
Look at'em go
My this is exciting
Okay so actually it just kind of went on like that for.. a very long time as the creatures had to be repeatedly coaxed into action and into the proper direction (a purpose in which the origami swans proved useful). It wasn't perfect but since I don't have a favorite in the Kentucky Derby this year, I figure this to be an adequate racing alternative. The rules committee is considering ways to improve this event for next year.
Despite an unexpected last-minute no-show from Cyril Neville, Mumkinfest 2007 was a remarkable success. Hope to see you all at Mumkinfest 2008.
No mumkins were harmed during the staging of Mumkinfest.
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