#cape.event:001

[tallulahowens]

Open || Independence Day Carnival

Ever since summer had begun, Tallulah had been very skeptical about this whole independence thing. It had absolutely nothing to do with the Independence Day Carnival itself —the one that she had been tirelessly helping to plan— and everything to do with giving her almost teenage daughter her own small taste of independence while at the event. After much begging and a highly organized PowerPoint presentation complete with bullet points and pie charts, Tallulah had allowed Miranda to roam the carnival with just her friends, a 10PM curfew, and periodic text check-ins that were not to be missed.

Of course, Tallulah would still be in attendance as well. She had volunteered to work the event, and was doing just that, weaving in and out of the crowd selling 50/50 tickets. Just as she finished off a sale, Tallulah caught sight of her daughter near the Ferris Wheel making googly eyes at some kid Tallulah automatically assumed was trouble. It took everything in the former beauty queen not to not march right up to the little punk and break up their little love fest. Instead, she opted to play it more stealth and darted behind the cotton candy stand for a better vantage point, peeking out slightly to monitor the situation not realizing that someone else had been monitoring her too. 

Caught red handed, Tallulah heard someone call out her name. She turned around slowly greeting the looming presence with her million dollar smile in an attempt to conceal her blatant spying. She held up the tickets as a decoy ignoring the obvious and asked sweetly, “How about a 50/50? It's for a great cause."

[juliettevarona]

location: Cape May Carnival with: OPEN @capemaystarters

"I'll take a whole roll please," Juliette began. The patron at the ticket booth seemed stunned at the notion but she knew what she was about. "Just to be clear, if I don't use these all up today I can still come back this entire weekend?" With the positive reply, Juliette grinned in delight. "Then again yes a whole roll please." She turned to the person beside her, pointing to the roll and over to them, "Name your favorite ride and I'll fund your way through to said ride." She shimmied slightly as the roll was given to her and walked into the apex of the space. The sound of the crowd, music in the background, kids squealing in delight, meant that the highest point of the summer was well under way. "Where to first?"

[grayscollins]

location: Dunk Tanks with: Open @capemaystarters

Grayson stood to the side of the growing crowd, head tilted slightly as he tried to make sense of it all. "Wait, so they're willingly paying american dollars to try to throw that ball as hard as they can to get that poor sop into the tank?" Grayson asked the person beside him. His arms were folded together as he watched person after person paying to throw and missing the target horribly. "Do we even know who's in the tank?" Grayson questioned once more, before a mischievous glint settled in his eyes. "I'll bet you $20 that I can hit the target." He felt confident enough that he wouldn't miss, considering he had to use precision for most tasks on the boat. "You in?"

[ewoodxx]

@bitterswxets || closed

Ethan couldn’t remember the last time he had been to a carnival— unless those music festivals in Europe he went to as a teenager counted. Then again, he didn’t exactly remember any of those either. None the less, Ethan hated to admit that the change of pace wasn't all that terrible, and he went off to grab a few beers for himself and Dani. The athlete had already snagged a couple of seats at the Biergarten for them and settled himself into one of them. "Wasn't sure what you were drinking, but beer seems to be the only choice." He smirked before nodding towards the chair across from him then passed the beer over towards her. “You having a good time?” 

[lucaderossi]

Who: @juliettevarona | Closed Where: Downtown Cape May

The events of the carnival might have settled for the night, but things were just getting started in the streets of downtown Cape May. Departing from the docks of Waverly Wharf, Luca had eventually found himself at one of the lesser-known establishments, a quaint but delightful bar just north of the beach front. He had been initally hesitant to do so, but after a brief check-in with the staff at the Boiler Room, all of whom had urged him to take the night off, he hardly needed to be told twice. 

In typical fashion, it hadn’t taken long before Luca had struck up conversations with the nearby patrons, who, like him, had made their way over following the conclusion of the festival activities. Following a few rounds of drinks and the emphatic requests of those nearby, he managed to find himself on the karoake stage. Hardly a surprising move, given his propensity for impulse and general enjoyment of the spotlight. He was considering the arrangement he would perform when he saw her, looking even more captivating since their last encounter at the farmer’s market — a feat he wouldn’t have thought possible, until he noticed her across the room. Leave it to Juliette. 

Unsure if it was the alcohol or the nostalgia talking, though he was certain he didn’t care, one way or the other. Hastily approaching the microphone, Luca briefly looked upon Juliette, intently but briefly, soaking in this moment, eager to see the look that would inevitably register on her face when she realized that, not only did they end up at the same bar, but that he was insistent she accompany him onstage. ��This first number is really far better suited with a singing partner. How about…” Pausing to quickly gaze across the audience, as if he hadn’t already set his sights on her the second he realized she was here. “You? Hmm? What do you say, sweet cheeks? Join me on stage for a quick one?” he asked with a smirk, waving at Juliette as the crowd erupted in applause, motioning with his index finger for her to accompany him. 

[swedethings]

@iristhxtcher

Having planned to meet up with Iris at the Cape May Independence Day Carnival, Agnes was scanning the crowds for the particular blonde. The two had made plans; but they'd not actually finalized where to meet up. Her phone was in her pocket; and given her hands were currently preoccupied with a sleeping toddler who'd just crashed from an ice cream sugar high, she couldn't exactly dig out said phone in order to confirm a meeting spot. So scanning the crowds was her best option.

Fortunately, she could spot those braids from a mile away. Amongst the crowd forming in front of the ring toss game, Agnes spotted her. Making her way over to the game, she shifted Gunnar's weight in her arms before sneaking up behind her favorite blonde. "Hej hej, väninna... Do you want to win me a bear?"

[nadinexluna]

Location: Pier { Carnival } Status: CLOSED ( @jchnnybcy )

Nadine grumbled as they dragged their feet across the wooden boards of the pier. "Why did you drag me out to this thing?" They blinked as kids ran by with cotton candy and balloons before rolling their eyes and looking over at their friend. "What's the big woop about it? Some white men just threw some tea in the harbor for freedom, and then bang - now color lacks the 'u' and we set off fireworks?" They shook their head, trying not to laugh at their own perception of the day.

[juliettevarona]

Juliette felt his fur once more before extending her arms out to receive him. "I'm all good to go when you're ready to do the pass off." She said with a smile. Then, gentle as ever, she felt Socks slowly entering the crook of her arms, she made sure to avoid having too big of a gap to allow him to settle and rest and soon enough his little head rested on the crook of her left bicep, as his bunny behind settled into the right. Juliette couldn't keep in her sounds of utter bliss and joy as Sock's had made a home in her arms. "Such a good boy he is," Juliette began. "He must be wildly popular at events like this and even back at the zoo, I can immediately tell why. He really knows how to make you feel safe."

Taking the fluffy white rabbit from her assistant's arms, Zoe spent a moment snuggling with him for comfort before taking a step towards the older woman. "He's four years old and such a good boy." Socks was definitely her favorite rabbit. He was so soft and so gentle. He was the shining star of the zoo's Angora Rabbits. Children and adults alike loved to hold him, loved the cuddles he would give. Socks could easily become a certified therapy rabbit. His mere presence was already therapeutic enough for most individuals. "Let me know when you're ready to hold him. He's very easy-going; so even if you're unsure of what you're doing at first, he'll settle into you. Teamwork makes the dream work!" As corny as that saying was, it was true in terms of the white rabbit. He would work with whoever was holding him to find comfort.

[grayscollins]

location: Food Trucks at The Carnival with: @brodiesato

All things considered, Grayson wasn't usually the type to meander into a town carnival. At least not by his own volition, but a certain Sato had been eyeing the flyers that had plastered themselves over their community boards back at the apartments. Slipping a note under Harper's door, he took the initiative to take her out for at least one of the nights and things were going supremely well. They'd walked through most of the vendors, caught a few musical acts, and even pointed out rides they'd hit up next but first they needed sustenance. Leaving Harper to their own devices, he opted to stand in line and get their orders, but couldn't shake the feeling that there were another set of eyes boring into the back of his skull. Once he'd gotten the food, he turned briefly and locked eyes with the culprit.

Another Sato. Someone he only knew from pictures that Harper had shown while abroad and if he wasn't mistaken, this had to be the brother - Brodie. Eye brow lifted, he said, "Do you need a napkin?"

[ewoodxx]

@ajdupontmoreau || closed

As a Brit, it was odd to be celebrating Independence Day. To be honest, he didn’t even realize it was that big of a deal here in the states, not one complete with a weekend long celebration and carnival rides anyway. But Ethan sure as hell wasn't the type to pass up an excuse to party and get knackered, even if it was down right criminal to waste all that perfectly good tea and throw it into a harbor. None the less, Ethan navigated the busy carnival as well as anyone who was several beers deep would, narrowly avoiding innocent passerbyers until he made it down to the beach. it was then Ethan noticed a familiar face that took him a second to place. "Yo AJ," He finally greeted as he reached into his pocket to pull out a couple of cigars. Ethan rarely smoked, but when he did it was always cubans. He then nodded towards the beach, “Was just about to get some air. You want in?”

[lucaderossi]

Who: @jxttxs | closed Where: Carnival Cook Off, Waverly Wharf

Work hard, play harder. If ever there was a walking and talking embodiment of that mantra, it was Luca. Having fully immersed himself in the festivities of the day, he was determined as ever to continue to his cake and eat it too — or, in this particular case, bistecca alla fiorentina, pasta primavera, and a side of raspberry bombolini. He was hardly going to miss the chance to cook three of his favorite dishes, under the eyes of what promised to be an eager and enthusiastic audience. Sure, he might not be the one indulging in consuming the dishes for himself, but getting to compete alongside JJ in the Carnival Cook Off was an equally satisfying prospect, one that Luca, ever the opportunist, could hardly refuse. 

Packed materials in hand, Luca was quick to locate JJ upon arrival, waving down their culinary counterpart before settling into their designated prep table within the contest area. “Buongorno, amico mio!” Offering a pair of kisses to each of his cheeks, a greeting traditionally reserved for family members and close friends. One in the same, as far as Luca was concerned. “ How about this? Ready to dazzle the masses?” 

[juliettevarona]

Juliette watched as Lucy assessed herself, something that she'd noted the woman doing much more as her pregnancy progressed. "Say the word too and we can head on home if you're tuckered out." Juliette offered, before nodding in agreement about JJ's tacos. "I give him a lot of grief for plenty of things, but man can he cook a taco." Eyeing up the spot where his recipe was being sold to the masses, Juliette said, "I'll grab you some more and I think I'm in the mood to try some of those panzerotti things. Fried goods, melty cheese, what more could we want? And how about you Miss. Ellie?"

"Thanks, this is a nice place to sit and rest and it give Ellie something fun to do." She said as she looked down at her feet to check and make sure her ankles weren't swelling with all of the walking she'd been doing. She let out a soft chuckle. "Would it be greedy if I said that I'm craving more of JJ's tacos even though I already had three earlier today? They have just the right amount of spice and they are soo good." She did the chef's kiss motion before letting out a soft giggle. "What are you in the mood for?"

[grayscollins]

location: Entrance of the Carnival with: @harpersato

Slipping a note under Harper's door, Grayson had taken the first shot he could take to ask them if they'd be interested and available to go to the town's carnival with him. He was learning that between all their jobs and how strict the charter schedules were becoming that it might have been an impossible mission, but he also was pining to see her again, he just didn't want to be too obvious about it. That was why when he got a note back under his door with a resounding yes, that he found himself walking side by side with Harper. The first thing he could notice was the cacophony of sound between patrons screaming on rides, vendors yelling for attention, and even music blasting towards the south end of the bend. "I don't know about you but I seem to remember a bet we made that if we ever encountered bumper cars that you would "toast me" on said ride." He pointed over in the direction of said ride. "Shall we test that theory?"

[ewoodxx]

@lucybardxt || closed

“I don’t know…” Ethan trailed, leaning over the fence to the go-kart racetrack, his forearms were pressed firmly to the top of it. An array of go-kart racers took their marks at the starting line. There were kids young and old, families, and over competitive adults who probably had money on this little race. Ethan turned to Lucy, his signature lopsided smirk etched into the fissures of his jawline before he got a good look at the competitors. The athlete may have only been in town for a couple of months, but talking sports with Lucy had somehow turned into somewhat of a past time, even when it came to silly carnival rides and not actual F1 racing. “My money’s on the lanky kid with the stupid backwards hat. Looks like he’s got a lead foot that one.” 

[swedethings]

"I, uh, I understand the bedrest..." Agnes had been on bedrest for a month and a half leading up to Gunnar's birth. It had been a very mentally taxing several weeks. She'd felt so stir-crazy. The heightened pregnancy hormones certainly hadn't helped. So she understood how Lucy would be feeling to some extent.

Moving to stand, the brunette didn't pay much attention to the fact she still had a pretzel and half her drink left. Right now, getting Gunnar home and cleaned up before bed was her priority. Scooping the sleeping toddler up from Jette's lap, he stirred momentarily before snuggling against his mamma. She gently rubbed his back to ensure he stayed comforted as he slept. It was only then that she turned her focus back to Jette. "I have to make a call to Micki on Friday morning; så come around 13? I will probably be upstairs in my office." She informed him. "Och, you can walk us home. You can carry this lille gubbe when my arms go sleepy." And given the toddler's size, that was bound to happen sooner rather than later.

End.

"Thank you. I know we're gonna need help and promise I won't go all diva on you. Luce will be on bedrest and during the afternoons I know she won't be able to get up and cook. Even though she'll tell you she'll be fine to do it herself. And she won't have Jules home since she'll be at work and I'll be on a business trip so I know she'll love to see you round the house."

He smiled at the little boy and nodded. "You can count on it. I'll come by the shop probably Friday. And I'll even bring the sonogram picture! We have an appointment with Di Wednesday." Probably a good idea too since it was getting darker and things were already winding down. "Yeah, safe to get the little guy into bed. Not that I don't trust you getting home safe but I worry so mind if I tag along and get you guys home?"

[ewoodxx]

@littlemissivyh || closed

It didn’t matter if it was the World Cup final with the match on the line or some silly boardwalk game at an Independence Day Carnival in small town USA. When Ethan Wood entered a competition, he sure as hell competed with everything he had. Tonight was no different, and he posted up in front of the Water Gun Fun stand with all the grit and determination of the professional athlete that was. “Alright, you guys want the big one? You’re gunna get the big one.” Ethan zeroed in on the large, stuffed multicolored octopus hanging above them. He nodded at the children with his signature confidence and then back at Ivy. Sometimes Ethan was just as big of a kid as the actual children were. “Let’s fu—“ Ethan cut himself short in an attempt to sensor his language then corrected himself as best as Ethanly possible. "Er, let's freakin' go!"