Of the Grey Lynn Park Festival

Saturday November 19, 2011. Today is Grey Lynn Park Festival day. As the sun decided to come out (a remarkable thing for Auckland at the moment) I decided to actually walk there.I’ve been there once before, a couple of years ago, so I had a broad idea of what to expect.It is a cacophony of sounds and smells. A multitude of stalls from which people sell everything from carvings, to corrugated iron art, to clothes, to toys and so much more.There were Rhythm Centres (for all to make lots of banging noise), Kids play areas, Farmyard animals. Plenty of family-oriented fun.There were food kitchens and coffee purveyors.There were Tarot readings and Spiritualists.There was live entertainment in the central area.Politics was present (as you’d expect given that the General Election is next week). One thing I did notice though is that the overall feeling was different. Two years ago, there was a strong Left-wing vibe and the ideological hatred of the Right was palpable. That sense wasn’t there this year, well, certainly not as overt. All parties were represented and I didn't sense battle-lines being drawn.I was amused by the gypsy caravans. They have a strong Green Party voice, but it occurred to me that as they’ve chosen a transient lifestyle, where and how do they vote? This doesn’t make sense to me at all. That being said, they did have some interesting craftwares they were selling and I was intrigued by the mobile blacksmith.I really do like the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by people here. Some of their crafts were of really high standard. I am curious as to how much it costs to have a 3m x 3m stall. And whether you actually make money selling $5 crochetted hats to all who stop by.Again, not a lot of produce for sale which is my main focus. I still managed to find and purchase some organic garlic bulbs (yes!) and a miniature Meyer gouda round. Hugely excited about that.I was pleased that I didn’t feel out of place as I did last time I visited. I didn’t feel the need to put on my favourite tie-dyed shirt, khaki pants and sandals.And most of all, I was pleased that I walked. This is out of character for me. I enjoyed looking at the houses and shops that I normally drive by. I stopped in local grocers and butchers and bought supplies for the week, rather than going to the supermarket.I must do this more often.- S