Event: Midsummer Festival Mark II

[rekindlemods]

Event: Midsummer Festival!
July 13th

We've got something special for you all! In a few more weeks, the summer lights festival returns, with new events and old stand bys as well. So what all can you expect?

For one thing, a nice big master post like we put together last year, (though if you want to create your own posts, go wild!) with all the events below included! And with out of order tagging fully encouraged. More specifically, there's:

July 13th: Set Up, Film Festival
It's a big party getting set up, and as such some extra hands are appreciated with setting up booths, lanterns, and decorations! Those who help can receive coupons to be used during the festival, as well as thanks from the locals.

And in District 5, the theater will be holding a special program all week, showing films that follow themes of summer, fire, and light depending on the day you go. What's more, the films and kettle corn are free if you bring a friend!

July 14th: Opening
This time around, the opening ceremonies have been shifted to District 4 and the shrine located there. There are still candles, speeches, wishes, and little floating candle boats ready to be sent down the river.

In addition, there's also a new source of light available, in the form of firefly jars that are handed out during the festival. These are simple glass jars that hold a handful of glowing insects...Which for whatever reason have a way of glowing brighter if a person hold the jar, and also has contact with someone else. The locals believe that holding onto a lantern all through the festival means good luck for the summer.

July 15th: Dances
In front of the convention center and around the welcoming plaza, a dance floor has been set up. All through the afternoon are lively, fast paced dances. Closer to the evening, the music slows down for more romantic dances. Characters should be careful, as it's likely they might be pulled onto the floor by eager dance partners! There doesn't appear to be any set group, with people being tugged into the dance if they hang around long enough or close enough.

July 16th: Bonfire
Set up near the shrine at the location of the opening ceremony is the largest bonfire. However, there are also smaller bonfires set up around the city, with one at the river front of District 5, and another at District 3. Dancing continues in smaller groups around all three.

July 17th: Eating
Cooking contests, food vendors, pie eating competitions, you name it. They're all spread out through the major streets. As before, there's also a special consideration/curiosity for people bringing off world recipes to the table, and such dishes are encouraged!

July 18th: Games
As before, there's an emphasis with games that have a cooperative element, plus things like arm wrestling, general wrestling, etc.

As a new feature, with a large stretch of river open there's also a cooperative inner tube/self made boat* race as well; grab a partner and paddle from one end of town to the other! (And yes, the river that leads to the dead zone districts has been roped off as well as possible, to prevent any mishaps...Though that doesn't prevent particularly unlucky characters from entering, as the plot demands.) The race starts in District 5 on the boardwalk, and goes down to District 3 with a finishing line at specially decorated warehouses. People who finish the race are awarded various water themed prizes; specially painted lanterns that resemble bubbles, fishing supplies, etc.

*Yes, you CAN use a couch boat to compete if you really want. If it sinks however, you are responsible for fishing it out of the river.

July 19th: Fireworks
The last afternoon of the festival is the closing ceremony; winners of the contests on the last two days are called up to the stairs to be recognized, and everyone is thanked for all their hard work. After the ceremony, a last bit of celebration lights the sky; floating in the river between the second and third district is a barge that shoots fireworks into the air once night falls. The benches from the bonfire have been set up along the riverbank, but there's plenty of ways to see the fireworks from elsewhere, if you'd prefer the crowd.

At this point if the jars are still available, the fireflies are also released. Locals who do so whisper a wish as they let the little bugs fly free. (Who are also none the worse for wear, despite being in jars for a week.)

July 20th: Wrap Up/Tear Down
Every party comes to an end sooner or later, and that means cleaning things up. People today are tearing down decorations and packing up booths for next year, and they'd appreciate any help they can get. Anyone who chips in today will be piled in leftovers from the festival - plush prizes and extra food that the residents don't really have space for. Sadly, it seems like they're not too keen on giving out the fireworks.

Care to ask questions or plot? Feel free to do so below!