Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "A Day Without The King" Story

The People's Choice Awards

It was an ordinary day. Gonna miss seeing Elvis! Carol and I traveled to State College for the weekend to visit with our friends Jerry and Just Sue with plans to do two things: Spend a day relaxing on the beach at Whipple's Dam and make a visit to "The People's Choice Awards" in Boalsburg, PA. Every year in the early part of July in State College is held one of the best known art shows in the country known as Arts Fest. This year the 47th edition of Arts Fest was expected to draw more than 125,000 visitors to downtown State College to view the juried show that features 16 different visual arts from basketry to ceramics. The four of us have made many visits to the show, but for the past few years have opted to head to Boalsburg to view "The People's Choice Awards." The first Boalsburg festival was held in 1993 and was meant to showcase the artisans living in Pennsylvania. It is set around the Pennsylvania Military Museum ground, three miles east of State College. The artisan's tents ring a large grassy field next to the museum with tents set in the center that feature musicians, entertainers and this year, a petting zoo. This year we made plans to go to Whipple's on Saturday and travel to Boalsburg on Sunday, since Elvis was going to make an appearance on that day and we didn't want to miss it. Well, as always happens, weather ruined it for our Elvis visit. Saturday was cloudy with a light mist falling most of the morning so we opted to head to the art show and hope for a sunny beach day on Sunday. By the time we arrived at "The People's Choice Awards" the sky was brightening and the mist had subsided. Other than a bit of mud, we had a perfect day for walking the grounds next to the Military Museum. Paid the parking fee, parked the car and headed to the tents. Every year we visit we ALWAYS bear to the right as we reach the displays. This year I suggested we go to the left, but was voted down right away. Just not the way you do it! Over 180 photographers, ceramic artists, watercolorists, wood carvers, jewelers, broom makers, blacksmiths, and many other artisans showed their work in a variety of methods. Carol and I made two purchases; a set of greeting cards that featured scenes from Ocean City, NJ and a necklace with beach glass. Also had a chance to see the "Deacons of Dixieland", The Sweet Adelines, a bicycle stunt show which featured ramps and jumps and a petting zoo. The day was fun, but missing the "King of Rock and Roll" was a big disappointment. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Take a photo tour with me of "The People's Choice Awards" ..........