Commentary by Jason Peek
Well, once again, the Carmel International Arts Festival has come and gone. It looked like thousands showed up to see the different displays of artwork.
Now I’m not much of an art guy, but I did see some cool wood works and shots of nature that I really liked.
I would love to tell you the gyros my family and I had were good, but our experience started out with some very unprofessional and unorganized people that were extremely angry and rude. I saw a young stressed lady yelling angrily, so I proceeded to step forward to place our order. Before I could move around the crowd, she yelled again, “Who’s next?” Then she decided to start cursing. I gave her my order really quickly, and as she made my gyro she proceeded to curse at me, saying, “I’m sick of these freaking people and their bullcrap.” I’m paraphrasing.
Because my family was there and I’m a business owner in town, I took the high road and kept my mouth shut. Any other day I would have put her and her co-workers in check. Then I got charged $54 for three lemonades and four gyros that tasted like they came out of a dumpster.
My wife was sick for two days, and I finally finished that book I’d been reading … in the bathroom.
I like events and I think they’re fun, but Main St. Barber Shop has been open for more than seven years, and I can truly state that not only do I not pick up business from events, but they cost me and my barbers money every time there is an event.
I’m sure some merchants got some business, but I have to wonder how much attention it brings to the district. When people come to an event, that’s what they do – the event. They don’t shop the storefronts, at least not very much. This is my opinion after seven years of observing.
I would rather see the food places here in town serving instead of outside vendors who probably aren’t even monitored by the board of health or anyone else, for that matter.
I do understand people enjoy the show and it’s something to do on a weekend, but I wish events wouldn’t take money out of our pockets. But hey, I’m just one guy with one opinion, so come on down to the events and judge for yourself on what you and your family like.
But watch those food vendors. Take a good look at what they’re serving and how they’re storing it. I think sour cream exposed to the hot sun is not a good thing. Trust me on that.
Jason “Hogjawz” Peek is the owner of Main St. Barber Shop and an occasional columnist for Current. You may reach him at [email protected].