Due to coronavirus, life in Dayton (and all around the world) has been less than normal. Here's what I'm looking forward to in 2021.
Mike Woody: Looking beyond the pandemic
Due to coronavirus, life in Dayton (and all around the world) has been less than normal. Many local traditional activities were canceled. While remembering moments that were denied, let us also look forward to enjoying them again next year.
With all the opportunities to eat delicious food that’s been lost, you’d think my waistline would have shrunk. Somehow it’s not though. Where has all the fried Oreos, funnel cakes and bucket of fries gone? Without fairs and festivals, I’ve actually ate some salads this summer. More specifically, I crave a piece of strawberry shortcake, a strawberry smoothie, strawberry salsa etc. from Troy’s Strawberry Festival.
My wish list for 2021 also includes some sauerkraut balls from the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville, a chicken dinner at Poultry Days in Versailles, a tenderloin at the Preble County Pork Festival, a corn fritter at Fairborn’s Sweet Corn Festival, a half dozen (or more) of the Fireman’s Waffles at the Tipp City Mum Festival, and some fresh apple butter at the Apple Butter Festival in Enon.
Plus I’ll miss setting my tastebuds afire at the Kickin Chicken Wing Fest. At least I won’t totally be denied bacon in a variety of different ways as Bacon Fest is being transformed into Bacon Week. Now through August 22, several restaurants have worked bacon into some appetizing dishes. I’m anxious to try some Bacon Pizza at the Rip Rap Roadhouse.
Of course another part of the festivals I’m anxious to partake in again is the free samples of all the dips and salsas. And appearing interested as my wife looks at all the crafts.
While on the subject of food, I also yearn to again be allowed to get my own soda out of a fountain and dip my own servings at the Golden Corral. I even miss waiting in crowded lobbies of restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse.
The sounds of live music is also sorely missed. Me singing in the shower just doesn’t compare to sitting out at the Fraze, Rose or Levitt Pavilion for a concert. The same goes for the numerous indoor venues as well and The Greene for the summer concert series.
As for the performing arts, I am really desperate to see a live stage production. I can’t wait to see a show again at the Schuster Center, Victoria, The Loft or any community theatre. I’m even anxious to stand up to let people pass by to get to their seat.
One of things I’ve missed the most is attending La Comedia. I can’t wait to hear the announcement of ‘The show will begin in three minutes again,’ while scoffing down sweet potato souflee. I expect some stellar performances from Chris Kramer in 2021.
To fill the void from not hearing Gaelic Storm at Celtic Fest, I might have to buy a kilt. Many elements of summer were denied this year, such as looking up to the skies during the Dayton Air Show, being asked about gutters at the Dayton Home & Outdoor Living Show, traveling the globe at the World A’Fair, and attending a Dayton Dragons game. There was plenty to feel blue about, even without a Dayton Blues Festival.
May 2021 bring back so many of the things we enjoy about Dayton, including 3 a.m trips to Wal Mart or Meijer.
