Page 107 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Skylar

Bright and early the next morning, we take Elvira downtown and station ourselves on the end of Main Street where the festival’s parade is going to start. We spend about two hours helping get everything set up, including the town’s float entry spotlighting the festival itself. It’s decked out in all kinds of fall-themed embellishments like brightly colored leaves, gourds, squashes, pumpkins, and apples.

By ten o’clock we’re ready to start, and that’s when Max appears in all his Grand Marshal glory.

The man isn’t doing drag exactly, but he could give a drag queen a run for her money. He’s wearing glittery silver platform boots and an electric blue spandex unitard, but the real showstopper is his long, sequined, rainbow cape with huge silver glitter epaulets that match his boots. In the bright mid-morning sunshine, he damn near glows in the light reflecting off most of his body, and every time he moves, the cape sparkles in the sun. He’s kind of a giant, rainbow disco ball walking down the street.

I really should have brought my damn sunglasses. He’s amazing but also blinding.

He’s carrying an ornate marching baton that he twirls around like a pro when he positions himself at the front of the line. As soon as he receives our signal to start, he lifts his baton in the air and starts marching forward with the panache of Lady Gaga strutting on the stage.

I suppose, for all intents and purposes, Main Street is his stage and he’s definitely treating it like one. Not surprisingly, the crowd loves it. Behind him follows the high school marching band in their white and gold uniforms. Folks cheer from the sidelines as they move past, playing a rendition of “Uptown Funk.” Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson would be proud of how the band and Max all swagger to the beat.

Even I find myself dancing along a little with Hal. The energy’s so contagious that we’re all caught up in it.

The main festival float, organized by the festival planning committee, comes into view. It’s full of some of the elementary school students, who are waving and throwing out wrapped candy with obvious glee.

Hal leans down and whispers in my ear, “We pay a confectioner to make these treats every year using locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to grab some, they’re delightful.”

While he’s still leaning close, I turn my head to tell him, “I’m sure they’re great, but for me, nothing tops your homemade Craving Crushers.”

To prove my point, I pull one out of my jacket pocket and pop it in my mouth with a cheeky grin.

Hal gets adorably flustered at my praise.

He’s so fucking cute.

After the main float passes by, several local businesses have smaller floats advertising their establishments.

I nudge Hal. “I definitely need to do one of those next year, and so should you.”

He blinks at me. “That’s a great idea, but I’m not sure the B&B needs one.”

I roll my eyes at him lovingly. “Babe, we’re gonna get you to be a bit more proactive about promoting your business. It’s not just about staying fiscally above water, it’s also about making the most of the opportunities you have to share our home with guests who come to Mystic Hollow.” I smile. “The B&B is a real special place, and while I love sharing it with you and Elvira, I think it’ll be great to share it with others too. It’s been a huge part of my healing journey since coming to Mystic Hollow, and I know it’s been a safe haven for others too, including your friend Ryder.”

“You’re right,” Hal says, taking hold of my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. “I love having the space mostly to ourselves, but it feels even more lively when we have guests too.”

“Besides,” I add, “Astraea isn’t gonna stay for all that much longer.”

She had told us not too long ago that her time here in Mystic Hollow has to end soon because she can’t be away from the Celestial Realm for too long. Rowan and his familiar are scheduled to move in later today though, and they’ll probably be with us a while. The first few nights in the motel outside of town was fine, but Astraea was right, it’s better for them to stay in Mystic Hollow from here on out.

I make a mental note to reach out to the motel. They could be a good partner for future events if we don’t have enough accommodation directly in town.

“I’ll help you put together a float for next year. Maybe we can even co-sponsor one,” I tell him warmly. “And we’re going to be getting a whole lot of visitors for the festival because I’m assigning myself the role of Marketing and Promotion Expert on the planning committee,” I declare.

Hal beams at me. “That’s brilliant. You’re the perfect person for that role.” He clutches his free hand to his heart. “I can’t wait. We’ll make next year even bigger and better.”

Fuck yeah, we will. More people need to experience the power of this special place.

After the parade ends, local vendors start setting up booths along the block of Main Street that’s been barricaded off to allow only foot traffic. Several of the restaurants in town have food stands where they start whipping up goodies for people to enjoy, and local artisans with everything from pottery to knitted goods have tables showcasing their wares too.

Hal and I take some time to stroll along the street, chat with people, and visit a number of the stands. I spot one in particular that catches my eye for a very special reason, and when Hal is conveniently pulled aside by yet another resident in town, I take the opportunity to sneak away and buy the item that I zeroed in on.

When I return to Hal’s side, bag in hand, he eyes me curiously.

“What did you get?”

I mime zipping my lips. “It’s a surprise.”