For a decade now, I’ve avoided Chataqua. Too many people. Too much traffic. Too loud. Stuff I can’t eat. Stuff I don’t want to buy and probably can’t afford. I went once — so I already saw everything there was to see. Oh, and to top it off, it’s spelled wrong. Hey, I’m a purist; what can I say besides bah humbug and get off my lawn?
For those who aren’t familiar, Chataqua is actually a derivation of Chautauqua, a village in upper New York State where the festival originated. The traveling show, featuring artisans, musicians, thespians, and more, was blessed by President Theodore Roosevelt because he wanted the arts brought to people in small towns around America who wouldn’t otherwise have exposure to them. According to some, it is the “most American thing in America.” It was a noble cause.
Somewhere — between the image of Teddy listening to minstrels and today’s carnival rides — there is a disconnect for me. Honestly, it just kind of turned me off. This year, however, I had to be there as I was helping to cover the four-day festival as a photographer.
I came to realize that Chataqua isn’t just a bunch of people selling stuff in the city park. It’s a time of the year — just four days — when the community takes advantage of this festival to come together and celebrate… being a community. There are all sorts of activities going on —…
