I was spending far too much time staring at the wall calendar Monday night when things started dawning on me.
And it might have been due to some strange internal alarm going off, but we’ve already reached the end of January.
That means before you know it we’re in the middle of the annual Matagorda County Livestock Show and Rodeo then there’s spring break, Easter, and almost nothing left before we’re faced with summer.
Sure, it sounds a little panicky on the face of things, but realizing how quickly we’re breezing through 2024 helps me also pace out stories for the coming weeks, too.
There are plenty of annual events on the horizon and while I look forward to most of them, one of my favorites overall has to be the annual Camofest experience.
While that status depends mostly on the weather we have that weekend, it looks like things will be smooth sailing for this year’s event.
I mean, I’m not into Camofest because of its cornerstone as part of an outdoorsy lifestyle or hunting.
And I’m not about it for the wine, beer, or food samples either – though it is interesting to see what the camp cookers come up with annually.
Honestly, most of all, I think it’s pretty cool because of the history behind it.
Bay City native Forrest Bess developed camouflage during World War II and it’s still a mind-boggling fact in my eyes.
How many other counties and cities can boast something so unique and revolutionary?
Camouflage changed the military landscape in its inception before becoming synonymous with hunting a variety of game from fur to feathers and fins.
We’re not even going to discuss the use of camouflage as a “fashion” print either.
I mean, I don’t think it should count outside of its utilitarian applications but some people make it their entire fashion statement and it makes me cringe.
And while the “cringe” is more silent and internal, it still happens!
Then again, I also feel that way about most repeating prints when it comes to clothing or home decor and that means I’m probably in the minority of people for that, too.
As it stands, when Camofest comes around, I tend to be much more visible with normal clothes than blending in with the rest of the crowd decked out in their best camouflage.
However, that could also be attributed to my fondness for having purple or blue hair and standing out when everyone else is dressed in their normal clothes.
Still, Camofest is a really fun event with a variety of vendors, and live entertainment and features some of the most kid-friendly fun for free – and I’m sure any parent can agree that might be its best feature.
Besides, after several years of dyeing my hair, all I know is that it helps get a subject’s focus when I’m taking a picture and serves as a focal point for them to look at my camera instead of off in the wrong direction.
