20090621

Midnight Sun Festival

For whatever reason it seems that fairs and festivals bring out all the
crazies in town, and Fairbanks has it's fair share of crazies. Luckily
there's an event that allows them to flaunt their undocumented illnesses
to the public with little chance of harassment. It's the Midnight Sun
Run, a 10K race where costumes are optional.

Basically the whole festival is an excuse to stay out late and enjoy the
summer light. I can't say that it's all that great, because downtown is
covered with people who browse the souvenirs shops and tents for more
stuff to spend money on, but it does present a good venue to people
watch from.

Since downtown is on the river, there were a few younger people that
were under endowed with brains (other things were the opposite) who
thought it was a good idea to spend some time in the river. I know from
experience (canoing down the river in late August) that this river never
warms up much above sixty degrees, but that didn't stop the brainiacs
from swimming (mostly clothed) in the murky water. Brilliant!

I will say thought that it was an excellent day to sit in the sun and
read a book while every few minutes taking a break to look up at the
crowd and chuckle to my self.