Interesting the attention and emotions generated by the tarp line/run structure. Last year was only our second gathering, but I am always mining for data in my surroundings as a food establishment owner and social scientist. It seems like the tarp run has a heavy ceremonial aspect to it. Where the overall framework may lack a type structure that some people believe would help with its efficiency, it truly offsets any shortcomings by delivering a wealth of interesting behaviors created by the daily event. Where else can you see this many adults gather to strategize, plan, organize, create budgets for potential temporary employees, endure cold weather in folding chairs with towels wrapped around their heads and countless more interesting and bizarre behaviors for the sake of being one of the first to pull a hamstring while trying to regain their speed of youth ????!!! I find it totally entertaining the commitment pledged to this act! Yes I agree that it may slightly detract from the music, but it is an odd product of the desire to be the closest to the music! In an odd and strange way the tarp line culture can actually creates benefits for local businesses through the sell of supplies and more to the people participating in the event within an event! As far as handing out line markers to people the day before I believe there are a considerable amount of problems that could be created by that approach. The first is the potential for the scalping of said vouchers. It is heavily frowned upon and potential for exile if the goal of selling tickets/vouchers for profit is the motivation for getting tickets. There would also be a new culture created by the process, which would undoubtedly have many less than savory qualities to it.
Sometimes it is best to let tradition take place and enjoy the byproducts of it while taking all of it in stride. I laugh when I walk by the line the day or night before and then laugh again when the next day when I am a few rows behind those same people relaxing with my family. Please consider the same approach and it may change the scope of the oddness that is known as the "Tarp Run"!!!
Listening to:
Sugaree Live!
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