My Experience at the Jazz Age Lawn Festival 2011
I’ve always been fascinated by the 1920′s. It holds a reputation for having a youthful spirit and a sense of joie de vivre. Given the chance, I’m sure many people would love to step back in time and visit. Alas, opportunities as such only occur in fiction, but we do have the option to attend the Jazz Age Lawn Festival on Governors Island. It takes place four times a year during the summer and costs just $10.
I attended one of the June dates with a few chums of mine and we got a kick out of it. There, you can enjoy the sweet music of Michael Arenella and His Dreamland orchestra, and dress in your 1920′s Sunday best. About half of the people present dressed the part, and I suggest doing so because it really adds to the atmosphere and brings it all to life. You would swear some people just popped out of a time machine. I found myself making declarations in my old school secretary voice, such as “I’m so happy the Great War is over,” and “I sure hope the stock market doesn’t crash.”(I think my friends were satisfied that I was amusing myself.) If you’re a dancin’ guy or gal, this is an excellent opportunity to show off your skills on the dance floor. I enjoyed watching the dancing, but I felt a little foolish joining in because it was more of an activity for the experienced dancer. There are a few stands to browse through, as well. They feature hats, vintage clothes, jewelery, and a few other trinkets. There aren’t many, but they are rather unique.
As for what is usually the most important part of anything,
Our Attempt to Dress Up
food, I would suggest bringing your own picnic. There isn’t a great deal of variety and part of the experience is sitting and relaxing with your friends, so you’ll want something you know you will enjoy. I would also suggest bringing drinks along. When I was there they ran out of beer by two o’ clock, so to play it safe you might as well have your own supply. This will also save you time from waiting in line for food tickets, and then again to actually pick up your lunch. Also, bring a blanket. The only place to sit is on the grass so make yourself comfortable and stay a while. If you’re looking fore more activities to do there, you could join in one of the rounds of tug o’ war, or rent a bike for a ride around the island. If you haven’t gone before, check it out one of the days in August. Hopefully my tips will be of some service. It’ll be the cat’s meow!
teresa, photographer
Bernadette Kelly
