Just Us: Small Town America

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Small Town America

One of our favorite "mindless" movies to watch is "Doc Hollywood," with Michael J. Fox. It's the story of a doctor who's personal medical mission is to live in Los Angeles and do plastic surgery on rich women. He thinks that living in a big city, in a big house on the ocean with lots of money will make him happy. On his road journey to California, he takes a wrong turn and ends up in Grady, South Carolina, the ultimate in small town America.

For awhile, all he can see is the limitations that the location, economy and people who live there represent. But, as time goes by, he gets involved with the people and their way of life.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie has to do with a yearly celebration the town holds to honor it's most harvested crop, Squash! Everyone in town comes out to participate. Local town's people march in a parade--one leading a pet pig, they play music, games and share food. It's a great time for the town and the doctor comes to see that happiness isn't always measured in dollars.

We went to our own version of Grady, South Carolina, yesterday. Whiteville, North Carolina hosted a Pecan Festival. It was quite an event. Handcrafted merchandise lined both sides of the street, there was a big bandstand with country musicians playing loud songs, classic cars were parked in an array of years and styles, the Festival Queen and her court were there in true "southern" style.

I'm glad we went. It was a beautiful day--80 degrees with a breeze and a good day for walking around.

I felt like we were part of the movie, walking around like we did. I could see the faces of people in the crowd, waving to neighbors across the way, the Royal Court was posing for pictures in front of the bandstand and there were even small dogs walking down the center of the parade route, sniffing out fallen food and the private parts of new dog friends.

I talked to a lady who made her own jewelry and one who made soap. They told me what materials they used and how they got into their respective craft. I bought some soap because it has oils in it that may help my skin.

We went into an old antique store. I'm not sure what was older, the store, the carpet, the smell or the merchandise. They had some beautiful wood furniture and interesting dolls. And finally, we saw the world's largest shopping cart (and where else could you see that except at the Pecan Festival!!)

Figuring there was nothing left to top that, we headed to Highway 55 back in Leland for some burgers.

The Pecan Festival was a great day to see a new part of North Carolina and do something fun. Whiteville may not have the bright lights of Cleveland, but you sure can't beat them when it comes to putting on a Pecan Festival!!!