The JAM versus The Lake Bash
The Lake Bash is coming up soon and I think there has been a LOT of misunderstanding about that. I bumped into someone associated with The Lake Bash this evening and he was very upset with me. Here are my thoughts on The Lake Bash (both The Beginning of Summer and The End of Summer). I want to publicly set things straight.
The Lake Bash has been around for over a decade and has made a lot of people happy. It is an event geared towards locals, family, and friends. I heard them say many times, "Word of mouth and a pretty day; that is all we need." They have been doing this for a very long time and I have done two parties on the lake. They have a lot more experience at it than I do. More and more, I understand what they mean and what they want to do. I also find myself becoming more like them (more on that later). While we may see things differently and we may do things differently, these are some good people and their heart is in the right place.
While everyone is welcome, they don't want tons of people, tons of problems, and tons of permits. They want a party for good people they know. Nothing fancy or high tech; just a good old fashion South Louisiana throw down.
I don't mention when they have their party on the website out of respect for them. (If they wanted me to put a date, I would). It's human nature to always want what you do do be bigger than what you did, but not necessarily so with their Lake Bash. Something not often said: "Keep it simple and don't complicate things." If I put it on the site, I am sure they would have a lot more people there and that is not necessarily their goal. It's not like they would turn anybody away that showed up or anything.
They want their party for locals, friends, and family. They want their Swamp Pop Music. They don't want any problems. As I was looking out over the crowd at The JAM, I wondered how many people were there just for the party or really cared about Jonathan (or me). The people that cared; that is who I wanted there. Not those stealing, splashing water and damaging equipment, and MOST CERTAINLY, not those fighting. I wish I could differentiate with those in attendance, just as the people putting on The Lake Bash wished they could choose who was there. Most of the people at The JAM knew what it was about before the day was over. It could have been a memorial for Donald Duck and they wouldn't care.
There are a couple of businesses that said some mean ugly stuff about me and Jonathan. It got back to me. I doubt they would ever admit it publicly. However, looking at it closer, I doubt the person saying it really represented the establishment. Still, it stings and it hurts. I want all of our businesses on the water to do well, even those that have a problem with me or what I do. I was a bit hyper-sensitive about having a party for Jonathan last year and so it might not have been all them that caused the misunderstanding.
It's like this: I don't hate nobody and I don't wish anyone ill-will. Hate takes up much more room in your heart than does love. It's hard to love when you go around hating. I don't want to be that way. I hope that if they have a Lake Bash that it goes better than my event (zero problems) and is all they want it to be (and more). I will be there (low profile & having fun with my friends) and I hope they keep doing a Lake Bash this year, next year, and for years to come. It is a local tradition that we don't want to lose.
Remember what they repeatedly ask at The Lake Bash; don't litter the lake. (If you bring it out there, take it with you. I'd like to remind everyone to wear protective footwear and remember to be careful. The sun screen thing is not a bad idea. Also, bring FOOD and don't drink all day on an empty stomach. {Just my suggestions}.