Johnny Appleseed

So like a lot of Fort Wayne folks I took in the Johnny Appleseed Festival this past weekend. Saturday I went with my brother and my niece and nephew. Although I think it's nice, I could probably forgo it for my tastes, but it's kind of become an annual event for myself and my nephew. I want to keep that going. The grave was getting a lot of attention on Saturday, which was nice to see that people actually cared enough to drop by and pay their respects to the man for whom the festival is named. I don't really

actually get leaving the half eaten apples at the grave though. I guess to each their own. Believe it or not with all of the festivities going on and the foods and all - one of the favorite activities with the kids had nothing to do with the festival and everything to do with the park and playground that is there all the time. Hum. I didn't know Johnny Appleseed had a pirates ship! The kids spent a good thirty minutes on the playground midway through the day and then again at the end of the day. Another favorite of theirs was simply going down to the river where they threw rocks in the water, watched the fall and canoes and ducks in the river.

Children often remind me that the simple things in life are often the best. It was nice to see them enjoying something out doors. Most kids spend way too much time inside with television and video games. Dakota actually asked if there were fish in the river. I guess it's not taken for granted like we did when we were kids. I mean our dad took us fishing and so we assumed there were fish when we saw an unencumbered body of water.

The kids did try some of the rides and games from the olden days though and they did seem to have a really good time. Oh, and just in case - they had this old time settlers ATM? Didn't know they had ATM's but heaven forbid you be at the festival and run out of green backs.

This festival is a good one though and it comes at a time of year when everyone could use a little fun before old man winter comes on in. Guess if you missed it you'll just have to wait until this time next year. See you there!