Windy and Festive Day

Windy and festive describe what it was like Occupying Rapid City today on the corners nearest the fountain at Main Street Square.  The conversation was interesting and the traffic in the street remained about the same as other protest Saturdays.  Lots of people were out walking, on their way to enjoy the activities and entertainment at the Square; many passers by offered words of encouragement, telling us to keep up the good work.  Today’s protest emphasis was on promoting shopping with local and small businesses.  A gentleman from the Dakota Soda Company came out and served us free hot chocolate.  It was a much appreciated and tasty treat on a chilly blustery afternoon, many thanks to him.  One gentleman turned to me and told me to “get off his square.”  I thanked him and told him “same to ya.”  I doubt very much that he has any idea of why we are there or what it is that we are advocating.  Maybe next time he’ll be able to stop and chat.

Santa came by and he brought several attendants along with him on a Rapid City Fire Department ladder truck.  He was very busy too and did not have time to talk with us, although I don’t believe any of our group asked him too.  Two of Santa’s reindeer and his slay were getting a workout just north of where we had congregated.  A local radio station van was parked nearby, but we didn’t get to talk to them either.  A young lady with a very nice camera and tripod came by and took pictures and/or video of the activities of Main Street Square and later she came back and recorded some scenes of our protest.  She did not identify herself to me, so I have know idea if we will ever see the fruits of her efforts.

The shadow of the Alex Johnson Hotel reminded me that it was time to seek out a place to warm up a bit after another good afternoon Occupying Rapid City.