I’ve been to components of several Rose Festivals. But for an economic stimulator, I have come to the conclusion that the whole damn thing is a colossal waste of both civic and individual energy.

First, I hate parades. I have always been one for individual statements, not the conformity of a group.The crowds, the silly floats, the boring music, the empty symbolism. What kind of fun, what point is raised in walking up and down in an organized procession besides “here I am” or “here we are?”

Second, I hate this whole Rose Festival Queen bullshit. What does it mean? Maybe the girls who should be honored are those who toil selflessly- working after school to earn money to help their single mother raise her siblings. And why is individual worthiness subject to competition, anyway?

Third, why have competition about roses? Roses are beautiful flowers, but at least to me, they lend toward solitary contemplation and if one wishes, close-up photography. No one rose is “better” than another. OK, OK, if you must have competition, leave it to the professional botanists to decide.

Fourth, the Waterfront Village. Everything is overpriced, the crowds are noisy, the place is dirty, the kids are loud, and the games are gimmicks. Sometimes the food is good, but give me The Byte. Sometimes the music is good, but give me the Waterfront Blues Festival.

Fifth, I know the Rose Festival is a a “tradition,” but am not one that believes in tradition for tradition’s sake. Blindly following “tradition” is the antthesis of the spontaneous, free thought that drives me. I have never been one to have his habits dictated by the calendar.

But that’s just me. If you really want to follow the herd, more power to you.