LURKING IN THE DARK/SUMMER  2001                                                                                                                                        ISSUE 3

CHA! CHA! CHA!, by VSGal
page 2, photos by Dreama
 
 

VSGal dreaming of semi-precious stones and silver jewelry as she 
gazes out into the morning light.  She is wearing one of  the two
dresses she purchased at the Latino Festival.

 Even the jewelry here was less expensive.  Sterling Silver jewelry seemed to be the favored type, but there were a few glass and gold pieces.  A gold ring with a semi-precious stone cost $19.99 each.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen such magnificent work at such low prices!  A silver armband twisted around and around, ending in a spider’s web design at the end.  Most of the booths contained silver jewelry though.  I looked for a ring or bracelet that I might like, but I didn’t see anything that tickled my fancy.  I’m partial to thin, slender, tiny jewelry, and most of this was too chunky or large for my taste.  However, I still admired the craftsmanship of the silver. 
          Leather craftsmen sold wallets, purses, backpacks, briefcases, laptop carriers, etc, all very inexpensive.  One saleslady joked with me that she was not “allowed” at the Art Festival, because she could undersell everyone there.  Several of the vendors were from the greater Columbus area, whereas the Art Festival’s Vendors had come from all over the US.  
          Another booth sold ponchos scarves, hats, pipes, and wooden fish.  I purchased a black silk scarf for $10, and a pan flute for $5, but then I was cut off.  I was spending way too much money. A stage was set up for dancing and music.  Dressed in white lace, two ladies danced with their ruffled skirts, while men in white pants, shirts, and hats, surrounded them.  Their black leather shoes, clipping a rhythm on the dance floor.  Show dancers, they tapped and shook their bodies to the Latin music.  All that was missing, was a pair of castanets.  I wished desperately that I had brought a camera.
VSGal models her black silk scarf.
 Each time I attend a festival, I am amazed at how lucky we all are.  Imagine!  Just by walking downtown on a given weekend, we can listen to music from other countries.  We can buy exotic foods.  We can see art, jewelry, clothing, and collectibles – all from another culture.  The best part is, we don’t even have to leave the city!  These festivals bring the culture to us.  Columbus is truly blessed.

RED HOT SUMMER INDEX

THE BOTTOM DRAWER


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