Parkingfest A Hollowed Annual Event
Early Saturday afternoon was a good time to check out ParkingFest ‘97 in Spokane’s Browne’s Addition.
More than a few drivers tested their parallel-parking skills in situations that challenged the laws of physics. Others, waiting for a miracle spot to open up, circled like ballcap-wearing vultures, watching for any sign that someone was leaving.
This annual auto derby is an unofficial part of the inordinately popular ArtFest, held on the grounds of the Cheney Cowles Museum.
Now it should be pointed out that there are park-and-ride alternatives to trying to wedge your car into a ridiculously tight space right next to the festival. But not everyone in Spokane is into taking a shuttle bus. A lot of people around here have definite views about parking that can be summarized this way: “If I can’t get right next to the place, then to hell with it.”
This attitude must be especially pronounced when it comes to events staged in residential areas, such as ArtFest. Because year after year, it’s the same. Countless drivers spend far more time circling and looking for a great spot than it would take to immediately park at the outskirts of Browne’s Addition and just walk to the museum right away.
Saturday, ParkingFest spectators got to watch drivers pull up next to a too-small opening and frown at the space. Maybe they thought sheer force of will could help them fit their luxeboat in there?
Some tried to squeeze into spots that were so tight a successful parking job would have left about two inches to spare at each bumper.
Still others got advice from finger-pointing passengers about openings that almost invariably turned out to be someone’s driveway.
Lots of drivers went way too fast. And many paid almost zero attention to what was directly in front of them.
Shortly before 1:30, an ominous dark cloud appeared overhead. It looked more like a Hollywood special effect than a real weather quirk.
At 1:35, a muscular wind started to flex and thunder could be heard.
At 1:39, the first drops fell. By 1:44, the rain had turned into a true downpour and people were fleeing ArtFest. It was as if Godzilla had crashed a wet T-shirt contest. Well, except that a fair number of people were smiling and laughing.
By about 2 o’clock, the rain had let up. And a red Subaru wagon cruised through the intersection of Pacific and Poplar. The guy behind the wheel looked as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.
All around, great parking spaces were just waiting to be had.
, DataTimes MEMO: Being There is a weekly feature that visits Inland Northwest gatherings.