I’m sorry we missed Festivus. We’ll be there next year. If you need any help promoting the event, I’ll donate my services in exchange for a nice ale, preferably something of the dark variety.

I have a folky friend from Austin TX who would be perfect entertainment for your Yuletide alternative. Let me know when you’re auditioning talent for next year and I’ll send you a tape.

Dan

As the Hawaiian shirted goofball who pushes drags and otherwise cajoles folk into the Festivus spirit I feel bad that you missed out on the celebration.

The pain of Festivus Past,
The promise of Festivus Future:

I think this next year we will have Festivus reparations available for those who have been deprived in Festivus’ past. Essays submitted about the Festivus, the spirit (the anger and vitrile) of Festivus and perhaps a bit of “what Festivus means to me” will be considered in order that the most demonstrably needy have a chance at a comped affair: a nice dinner at the Capisce’, Festivus tickets, and an evening’s stay for two on the 25th floor. Given your appreciable skills with the written word you are a shoe-in to win.

Perhaps next year you and the BFS crew can exchange your gag gifts, pass out your end of the year “excellence in sales” miniature trophies, distribute bonus checks, eat your taquitos and ramaki and then attend the Festivus as the “party” to finish out your evening.

The stubbing of the Big Toe on the “Feats of Strength”:

The “feats of strength” as meted out in the Sumo Arena proved to be a cathartic exercise that quelled not only long suppressed hostilities between the closest of friends but also office tensions and workplace rivalries. I think this could be an amazing fundraiser with co-workers and office mates voting ahead of time for the matches they’d most like to see. The combatants themselves being none the wiser to their opponents until the curtain is drawn aside and their eyes lock across the arena.

Perhaps even the primary election season could be set aside in favor of some actual mortal combat.

A short note on the music:

Rosie Flores was and still is the Queen. She has a Christmas disc out as a fresh release. I also urge you to pick up a Chris Scruggs disc as you will not be disappointed.

An Auctioneer never stands so tall:

The charity auction was presided over by none other than Luke Lee Gaule. He even kep’ the hat on his head.

The book singed by Allen Salkin actioned for charity at $90. The Seinfeld script signed by Mr. Stiller went for $200… It was a little confusing as I ended up bidding for the script against a mystery buyer on the other side of the room. He beat me out and then walked over and handed me the script as a gift. My Dad, you can’t take him anywhere. It was a Festivus Miracle.

Mad Props:

It goes without saying that such an event does not come off without a ton of help. Sean Burns books the talent and Jamie whips up the flyers and tickets, Dylan is a one man ticket collecting, security force who does his best work with a curly haired blonde girl on his lap (really Dylan who doesn’t?). My little brother Jake and his Buddy John were the Sumo Pit Masters. Dave Marx besides being invloved since the early days, built this year’s Festivus Pole. Bill Londrigan another veteran is the somewhat inebriated none the less qualified emergency medical consultant. Jim Ackerman handles legal issues by screening hairbrained schemes. Mark Palazzolo, Barry Taft, Chris Nickell, Dave Stout, and Tim Geving are perennial ticket sellers and participants. Erica the consummate rockabilly fan, allowed me in to her weekly radio gig on WQNA 88.3.
Thanks to my Peeps.

Special thanks also to: Southern Wine and Spirits, The Springfield Hilton and Recycled Records.

Thanks to Dan for letting me unload here.

Hope to see you all next year!

That was very good. I actually laughed out loud.

The Pogues are always a fun listen, as well. “Young Ned of the Hill” off of “Peace and Love” always gives me goosebumps.