Sunday, June 14, 2009

Grand Forks Warmth

Oh, happy days in Grand Forks! We've had a long, tough winter. Actually, we've had a long, tough spring, and fall wasn't so great either. But it actually hit 81 degrees yesterday and the denizens of River City were totally blissed out! Downtown Grand Forks had an Art Fest, and because this was not an Art Fest in a blizzard, people turned out in droves.

See this crowd crossing the bridge between Grand Forks and East Grand Forks? It's a crowd! (Around here, more than 3 or 4 people constitutes a crowd.) 22,000 people turned out for the Art Fest. Keep in mind, that the population of Grand Forks is only about 55,000.

There were giant puppet people roaming through the crowds. Grand Forks is such a funny place. I had my 70-300 mm lens with me, and because it's sizable, I think it tends to draw more attention to it than my smaller lenses. But over and over again, I'd notice that I'd stop to take a photo, would be fiddling with my settings, and would look up and see a whole line of people patiently waiting for me, not wanting to block my shot. It was kind of un-nerving! I found myself wanting to rush, not wanting to hold up 15 or so in either direction waiting to pass in front of me! Yep. Grand Forks warmth.

PS. About those birds. I will post a photo of the gold finches in a day or two, but would the nasty birds that keep flying over my laundry line, causing me to re-wash a load of sheets TWICE in one day, kindly refrain?

15 comments:

Mom2Drew said...

It's great that everyone was letting you take the shot before running into the middle of your frame. You should make yourself a "fake" press pass and then, act like you're the media next time.

Sharon said...

Oh I would be so embarrassed.

Becky said...

Those are so cool! Glad you're finally getting some nice weather. It sure doesn't feel like mid-June around here. I'm wearing socks, and I rarely wear socks. I get lots and lots of gold finches at my thistle feeder too. I'm afraid I may have to take down my other feeders though because the raccoon just made another appearance. It's gone from cute coincidence to potential dog problem. And since I've already rambled long enough, I'll save my "why I don't give anyone the finger in traffic anymore" story for another time. (I will say it involves a murderous ex-cop.)

Reds said...

Love Street festivals - Montreal have so many - went to one yesterday - will be posting some shots soon!

Becca said...

Isn't it funny how people react to a "big" camera and a "big" lens. Great captures!

Rachael said...

Great shots! I'm so glad you are having some nice weather to enjoy!

Lauren Hartman said...

Hooray for summertime weather, sounds like y'all have waited patiently for it! Love the puppet guy, his facial features are really cool.

Amy said...

Sounds like a fun time! That second shot is my fave, awesomeness!!! :)

Michelle said...

How funny that they stopped and waited for you! Such politeness. Love that huge people head.

Jeanne said...

You surely deserve some glorious weather after the trials and tribulations you have endured at the hands of Mother Nature.

Thanks for sharing the good in Grand Forks. *Ü*

Love those faces!

Bobbi said...

I am so shy I would be unnerved a bit too...I always feel like people are staring at me when I take my pictures. Those jesters are so cool but I can see myself having them show up in my nightmares.

Jess said...

ROFL, that dude is so cool! It's nice of the people to not want to block your shot...around here, people don't care and I am pretty sure some of them PURPOSELY try to ruin my shots when I'm out an about. Grr. LOL

Barb said...

One of those ugly, cute faces. I am glad to hear your temperatures are rising.

janett said...

I love that half the town showed up! And we've had a nasty spring here too so I totally feel your pain.

Suzy said...

Well at least people will stop for you! I can't tell you how many strangers I have to edit out on a reg basis! Great captures!