TPS Report
(retro edition)
Allendale County Cooter Festival 2007
Okay, let's be blunt. Off-season sucks.
Sometimes you have to go do something different. We wandered down to
Allendale, SC
one Saturday to check out one of those events you usually hear about, but never
actually encounter.
Somewhere between Columbia and Allendale, we came across this
place.
It doesn't do much for me, but it amused Karen so we turned around so she could
get a pic.
After getting lost a few times, we finally managed to find our way to Allendale.
A cooter, for those of you who are thinking dirty thoughts, is
Southern Slang for
the pseudemys turtle (okay, honestly it's probably slang for any turtle they
come across).
Back in 1984, a very odd tradition started in Allendale, but before we talk
about
the tradition, let's talk a bit about the town.
Allendale is a tiny little town in the southwest corner of
South Carolina.
From what Wikipedia says, it's a fairly poor county and it shows.
Seriously, we saw very few businesses open. Some of this
may have been because of
the Cooter Festival, but it doesn't change the fact that I didn't see a single
gas station
or restaurant (other than a Hardees - you'll see it pop up later on)
The place still has some character and charm.
Nice fountain, eh?
Alright. folks are lining up along Main Street. It must be time for the parade!
We'll get around to editing some video of this thing together
eventually.
Probably right after we start Parking - Series Two
There was no official start for the parade. Just all of
a sudden people started
riding by on the hoods of cars and stuff.
You'll see lots of poster board taped to the sides of cars here. Let me
assure you,
these aren't overexposed. People didn't realize they should have used a
black marker
to write signs, as opposed to a shitty blue Bic pen.
Wowzers - a float!
No clue what they're supposed to be.
You'll notice lots of pictures here where you think
"well, I guess the parade is over now."
We thought that a lot too, but it never quite panned out.
Nothing's more inviting than a guy standing around with his hands in his pockets.
See, here's someone who understood the importance of using
markers instead of pens.
Too bad they didn't think to dress up while they were at it.
I guess this is a town councilperson. It almost seems like
they're hiding.
Remember that name "M F Riley's," folks, we'll be coming back to it.
Is the parade over yet?
Nope, looks like we have another batch of floats...
St. Mark Baptist Church represent!
Lowcountry Healthy Start. Interesting.
Nothing healthier than sitting on your fat asses on a float.
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