From the Floor
I’ve been to a number of conventions, all sizes, formats, and themes; but I really wasn’t prepared for the frenzy of the International Lions Club convention floor. A new president, especially one from Texas, is cause for a celebration almost bacchanalian in scope.
The HSU Cowboy Band’s morning performance was greeted with smiles, cheers, and a sea of flashbulbs (and the generally unrestrained revelry of the Texas delegation), but the celebration that followed was astonishing.
As the new Lions president, Jimmy Ross, was introduced, Texans (replete with western outfits and flags) came pouring down the aisles in something that I could only compare to a mosh pit (if you’ve ever been to a rock concert) or maybe the New York Stock Exchange trading floor.
Right in the middle of the giant, snaking conga line was the Cowboy Band; playing and marching for all they were worth. “It was a spontaneous performance, and we were making the rules as we went along,� said band director Dr. Wayne Dorothy. They had to. If anyone had stopped, they’d have been trampled. Everyone had to be near them, everyone had to touch them, the band was that charismatic. They owned the floor while they played.
After nearly 20 minutes of total chaos (but very musical chaos), the celebration wound down to a point where the new Lions president could speak. Meanwhile, a slightly bemused Cowboy Band emerged at the rear of the auditorium with placards stuck in tubas, cut-out faces of Mr. Ross attached to hats, and celebratory paraphernalia dangling from uniforms.
As the Ross explained his mandate for the coming year, the band made good its escape. Over 12,000 people would soon be pouring out of the new convention center, and we wanted to be well on our way by then.
Tonight the students continue their exploration of Boston, but many of them will watch the enormous fireworks display from the Charles River. Many will attend the outdoor Boston Pops concert (along with an audience projected at 70,000). A few of us will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sugden, Boston based HSU supporters, watching the annual display from their river-front home. More later.
1 Comment
Leeps writes:
...sounds about right - a bunch of Texans visit Boston, show up at a formal convention and promptly turn the place on its ear. Gotta love that!
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