"Reality Bites" chows down
March 1, 2008 at 1:51 a.m.
A crowd gathered at Lala Raney Wood Hall after the parade to wait their turn to enter the "Reality Bites" event open to only Silver or Lux pass holders. The doors remained closed until six, while Glen David Andrews and the Lazy 6 wowed the crowd with their interactive music. No one seemed anxious or impatient, but instead stood around talking about the parade or the upcoming events.
Entering into the hall, I was astounded by the number of tables and the variety of food that each of them held. The room was dimly lit with the large white pillars wrapped in colorful cloth. The mood was set with "Tough Cats" set in a central stage directly under a large papier-mache bird. The stage was surrounded by a soft red glow. Standing in front of the band, I was struck by the drummer's facial expressions. He was a good source of entertainment, musically and visually. Every beat that he pounded out caused every muscle in his face to express his involvement in the music. A small audience gathered in front of the stage, but most of the crowd stood at tall tables draped in black cloth. Conversations were buzzing about the food, free beer and wine, and what life is like back home.
A group of women with full plates talked strategy for buying tickets for tomorrow's films. They sped through their game plan and then dispersed for more food and drink. The food ranged from reindeer meat to Jamaican beef jerky. Two large tables were set up with free wine and beer. One of the volunteers working at the event made a comment that the one surprising thing she had seen was one woman chugging a glass of wine. Empty Schlafly cups were cleared off of tables, only to be filled with more in minutes.
Gradually the room began to clear out while festivalgoers made their way home or to the first movie of the evening.
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