Picture Perfect

What a scene!

I was standing at the entrance, slightly to the side, so that I wouldn’t get knocked over by the steady stream of people coming into the park.

I wanted to take it all in before joining them.

The first thing that hit me was the music.

The Ferris wheel was ahead and to the right a bit, and the wave swingers were ahead and left. Between was the carousel, and all three were blaring music that formed a delightful cacophony that beckoned instead of repelled. I loved all three! Which should we choose to ride first?

Above them all, interweaving in a way that would be dangerous anywhere else, a sinuous roller coaster rode the clouds. It appropriately took the form of a dragon, one that seemed to breathe electric fire from the lights on the fiberglass head. The first few rows of people, kids mostly, were shrieking excitedly, but a few people seated farther back weren’t as keen to be there, and their apprehension showed plainly on their faces.

To my left, and stretching down the hill, were the food vendors. I couldn’t miss the heaping froth of cotton candy that a kid was reaching for, and beyond them, the roasted peanut seller. The flavored ice cups were everywhere, and even adults were sticking out their multi-colored tongues at others to advertise their preferred flavor. I could just about taste the “purple” flavor, and almost took a step in that direction.

The pizza cart was sorely tempting, even though the line stretched to the wave swingers.

Oh, the wave swingers! How could I forget, they’re my favorite! I find them so relaxing, I almost fall asleep! My friends and family beg to differ, so I usually go alone while they wait. But no purple flavor for me beforehand – that’s the one thing I can’t do, ride them with just cold slush in my stomach.

Well, maybe some french fries first? I can see the sign peeking over the pizza cart, beckoning, begging the crowd to partake in crispy salty crunch. I can already taste them, and the fighting that would ensue with my kids, even if we got the big bucket. With its attendant big bucks, of course.

Well, maybe the Ferris wheel, instead? There’s room in a gondola for all of us, and we could get used to the ups and downs of a ride by easing into it gently. And the stop at the top, make it a photo op. Luckily none of us get vertigo. The kids like shouting and waving to the people below, and my spouse can take in the height, like they love to do.

Is that a funnel cake stand? Maybe I shouldn’t make decisions on an empty stomach…

That carousel is begging to be ridden. We all love the jumpers, and I want to ride the lead, usually decked out in patriotic bunting. But if someone gets that one first, I also like the hunter, or the knight’s charger, in full scale armor barding. I’ve always admired the carving and decorations, and I still remember touching a tuliped ear gently when I was lifted and set onto my first carousel horse as a kid. Okay, so full disclosure, it was a cat, not a horse, because not all mounts are horses on the fancy carousels.

I try to avoid the angry ones, with their ears laid back, even though I know it’s only to prevent the ears from being broken off by their riders.

Ooh, the roller coaster’s a double! They “fight” to finish first! Okay, not so great when you want your money’s worth, but then I can take one kiddo, my spouse the other, and we can wave as we zip by each other. Now that I’m looking, I can see the second coaster’s rails, with red paint to counter the green in front of me. Mirrored tracks, they cross again and again, looping around each other. That’s fun! The kids will like that.

I’m about to open my mouth to ask what everyone wants to do first…

“Dad! Dad!”

I’m shaken out of my reverie by my youngest barreling in the back door. “Is that a postcard from Uncle Joe and Aunt Sarah??”

I look down. Sure enough, it is. I was so lost in imagination, that the picture came alive.

I flip it over, and we read together: WISH YOU WERE HERE!

Kiddo sounds it out. Looks at the picture, the cotton candy forever suspended between maker and buyer. The rides, the food.

“Can we go, Dad? Hunh? Can we?”

I smile.

My brother and my sister-in-law live near the amusement park. They had offered, and I had turned them down – why?

That was dumb. And this postcard is a reminder, and a gentle poking.

Why not?

I smile. “C’mon, kiddo, let’s go ask the rest if we want to have an adventure!”

The squealing echoes off the kitchen walls, as if they’re already on the ride. I smile again, and follow outside to make new plans.