divisionsmods (divisionsmods) wrote in divisions, @ 2021-03-17 19:21:00 |
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A sea of varying shades of green greeted the eyes of all who decided to visit the feast. Since the beginning of March, fliers had been put up around town by the New York Irish Center advertising the massive feast they had planned for St. Patrick’s Day. It would be one of the many events throughout the city to celebrate Irish culture. Knowing that the Bronx was not an area with a predominantly Irish population, the Center picked something they felt would be the least intrusive or invasive. They wanted to make sure each Borough had an event to partake in if people didn’t want to travel too far. For the Bronx, a massive feast had been selected and placed in Long Lake Meadows Park. It would run for several hours, giving people plenty of time to come and enjoy the offerings.
The entire place was transformed from a mostly dead looking park (spring hadn’t quite arrived yet, so the foliage hadn’t had the chance to turn green again) into an emerald Wonderland. Tables, streamers, tablecloths, dishes, cups, and yes, even hair, in various shades of green permeated the area. Workers were wearing shirts that were the same green color as a standard four leaf clover. Various Celtic designs, knots mostly, were displayed proudly throughout the event. A plethora of traditional Irish dishes were available for consumption, some of which were provided by the Center, and others of which were provided by locally owned businesses. In a potentially unexpected twist, someone had taken the time to personally grow several large planters’ worth of clovers to be placed all around the feasting area to add to the atmosphere. Many of the workers, a surprising amount if one stopped and thought about it, had thick Irish accents, as if they had just arrived in the city from Ireland. And although those sitting down may not notice it, it seemed like some of the workers were a bit...shorter than expected.
Regardless, the Center had put in a lot of work to make sure that the feast was a resounding success. Entry into the feast had varying costs. Entry for adults 21 and older was $17, $13 for seniors, $5 for teens and adults between 18 and 20 years old, and $3 for children. Anyone who seemed to be homeless, or at least claimed they were, was still allowed to enter without question, free of charge, for a nice hot meal. If someone was lying, well, that was on their conscience (and they may find themselves a little less lucky for the rest of the month). Adults were given light green bands with the word “major” on them, signifying that they could partake in the alcohol being served at the event. Anyone under the age of 21 was given a dark green band with the word “minor” on them. There was plenty of seating throughout the park, and even though the event received exceptional attendance, it seemed like those that arrived together always found places to sit together. Some even joked that maybe the Luck of the Irish was on their side. Naturally, any worker who overheard the joke would laugh along, wink, and walk off.
The atmosphere of the event was just homey and inviting. To some it felt like visiting family for the first time in a long time. To others, it felt like coming home. Some never wanted to leave (but did at the end of the night). As would be expected at any large event, there were problematic people here and there, but they found themselves summarily removed from the location. They, too, would likely find themselves a little less lucky for the rest of the month, and even if they hadn’t finished eating, they would feel like they had no desire to try to get back into the park. Some people who looked like they were down on their luck, or even just less happy than expected, might find a worker approaching them and handing over a golden coin. They were told it was Fool’s Gold, pyrite for those who knew that name, and that the coin might just bring them a little bit of happiness if they held onto it. They were also warned, though, that relying on luck is a bad idea, because luck is neither good nor bad. It was just a force of opportunity, as undeniable as heat or gravity. It was up to the person to take those opportunities and make them good ones.
At the end of the night, all remaining visitors would be ushered out of the park, and any of the businesses in attendance would be given time to clean up and leave. Anyone surreptitiously walking by the area might be a bit surprised if they were paying attention, as everything left in the park would vanish as soon as their line of sight was interrupted. Luck of the Irish indeed.