Richmond Proper: On street festival etiquette

The season of summer street festivals is upon us, so it might be a good time for a little refresher course on consideration for others. Here are some tips for making this year’s experiences as painless as possible.

June 1, 2010; 12:01 PM • by Tess Shebaylo

Yet another inexplicable custom of we Richmonders is the ritual of congregating in large groups and squishing around the streets together in hundred-degree heat. The season of summer street festivals is upon us, so it might be a good time for a little refresher course on consideration for others. Here are some tips for making this year’s experiences as painless as possible.

Move along.

Often the thoroughfare isn’t quite wide enough to allow you to take a break in the middle of it. If you want to rest, or have a chat with a friend you’ve spotted, pull your entourage over to the side and let others pass. Stopping abruptly in the middle of the path causes confusion, frustration, and strangers stepping on the heels of your shoes.

Dress for comfort, not for “letting it all hang out.”

If no one’s ever told you this, I’ll tell you now: nobody wants to see that. There’s a difference between showing a little skin and looking like a bare side of ham strung up to cure in the hot sun.

Mind your accoutrements.

When carrying various accessories, try not to use them as inadvertent weapons. Be careful not to slam others with your large backpack. The wheels of a baby stroller do not feel good on sandaled toes.

Rein in pets and children.

If he’s jumping up to put his muddy paws on the chest of an unsuspecting passerby, Fido may not be ready for the distractions of such a large crowd. It’s also probably not a good idea to let small children roam about, helping themselves to the curly fries of strangers.

Watch your mess.

Try to avoid getting the mustard that oozes out of your burger on those in close proximity. Put wrappers in the trash — having to walk a small distance to find a trash can is no excuse for littering. Smoke away from the crowd if at all possible, and dispose of cigarette butts in the right receptacle (or in your pocket until one can be found). Never, ever spit on the ground, expecting others to step in or around your discarded fluids. Excuse yourself to the bathroom instead.

June 1, 2010 12:01 PM 6