The Ramble

I love the Ramble and almost missed it this year. It was totally off my radar. This Old North End celebration represents the essence of community. I managed to arrive just in time for the last two Field Day events, arm wrestling, and the tug of war. North Enders face off against South Enders to battle for bragging rights for the year. It seems to always come down to the tug of war to decide the winner. The South End took home the prize despite small numbers. The North End kids showed the adults how to bring home the bacon and toppled the wee South Enders. The Ramble showcases everything that the ONE has to offer. The Avant Garden demonstrated that a vacant lot may best be used for a community garden not buildings. Decatur Fest invites us to wander into neighbor’s yards for a bike powered smoothie, fortune telling, free food, circus acts, art shows and live music. My favorite part of The Ramble is the Bike Parade. Picture a motly crew of a hundred or so bikers on every type of two wheeled, pedal powered cycle, in costume, cheering as they wander on a largely unorganized tour of the Old North End. This year the group was separated into three sections. There was a sense of distress in the crowd. This isn’t supposed to happen, we ride together. After a few cell phone calls all three groups were united and the parade made a glorious tour of the town, stopping traffic and putting smiles on people’s faces. We finished the tour with a group photo, free crepes from Skinny Pancake and live music transported us into the dusk. The Ramble demonstrates that when you turn off your TV, step outside, embrace the uniqueness of your neighbors, you develop a sense of community. You get to connect with people on a whole new level. I love the Ramble. – Janet