Analyzing a Social Gathering

¶ … Social Gathering Elizabeth's annual bizarre has always been an interesting event in which to 'people watch,' much like sitting on a city park bench and watching the parade of people go by. The bizarre, like most social events, affords one the opportunity to observe a micro-society. Some people attend the bizarre simply out of curiosity. Others are experienced bargain hunters. A few come because they feel obligated to show their support. These are often the same people who show their support for many local charity causes.

Then there are those who look as if they have come just to be seen, to make their appearance. The bargain hunters are dressed for comfort. These are the people who typically map out the yard sales and such in advance every week so they can get an early start and make the rounds. Although most of them are women, there are a few men who are usually collectors. They know exactly what they are looking for and do not waste any time browsing.

Many are book collectors, looking for first editions and other rare books, others are dealers looking for antiques, whether furniture or glassware and pottery. The majority of the women will browse through every booth and inevitably buy something, if only an old piece of jewelry. They are very serious about their shopping and know a good price when they see one, however, good price or not, they cannot and will not go home empty handed. They appear to be very competitive.

Aside from the regular yard sale items, there are arts and crafts by local artists, not many, but a few. One booth has water color paintings by an older woman. They are mostly landscapes and flowers. Very typical artwork. Looks a lot like paintings one would find in beachfront rental condos. Nothing dramatic or exciting. The artist looks as if she is in her early sixties.

She's dressed in loose linen pants and shirt, her gray hair pulled back with a barrette, and she's wearing a straw hat that looks as if it is her favorite by its worn appearance. I get the impression that she is a long time member of the church because she seems to be known by so many. There are three women who are dressed in very nice pants suits, matching shoes and bags, and new summer hats. They seem to know everyone who has a booth.

Earlier they had spent quite a bit of time with Father Sanchez. One gets the impression that they are not only members of the church, but most likely among the large financial contributors. They do not appear bossy, but they do appear to be judgmental and seem particularly concerned with several groups of teenagers who have been roaming around, especially one group of six that are all dressed in black and sporting numerous tattoos and piercings. The women never fail to stare whenever the teens are in their vicinity.

It is difficult to tell if the teens are members of the church or just passing the day. No one else seems to be paying much attention to them, however, the trio of women appear more than curious. More than likely they fear that the teens are up to no good, and probably suspect that they are going to steal something or eventually cause some type of trouble. These are women one would see dining at a country club or lunching at a ladies club. They are definitely club ladies.

And their children would never dare dress in such a fashion as this group of teens. And they more than likely believe that the parents are responsible for these teens turning out this way and rebelling against the norm. There are several couples with young children, toddlers and babies. A few of the dads look as if pushing a stroller in the hot sun is not how they would want to spend the day. One or two look like golfers.

And a few look like they would much rather be home watching a game, any game, and putting away a six-pack, this is not their idea of a fun Saturday afternoon. There are two families who have been going from booth to booth very methodically, checking out the clothing and comparing prices. They have bought quite a bit of children's clothing and shoes. There are about seven children in all, ranging in age from about six months to nine years.

It is difficult to tell whether they are all related or simply friends. But it is clear that they have come here with the intent.