Workers’ Correspondence
Country living can surpass city lifestyle
One week ago I changed my status from a lifelong Chicago suburbanite to the newest resident of the small town of Zebulon, N.C.
Although I find myself with the minor annoyance of being about the only person in town who still uses the grammatically correct salutation of “you” vs. “you all,” country living still has its benefits.
One such perk is the unbridled free-flowing fun of small town signature events, such as the annual Lizard Lick Olympics that I had the pleasure of attending Oct. 28 in beautiful downtown Lizard Lick, N.C., formerly population 14, although I was told it has grown some recently.
In addition to the usual country music, dancing and the obligatory hush puppy culinary treats, the grand finale of the town festival was their annual Lizard Race, conducted by the consummately cordial honorary mayor, Charles Wood. I still haven’t been given a straight answer as to whether Mr. Wood is an official mayor of a real town or merely a friendly figurehead.
Nonetheless, when “hizzoner” gave the “On your mark, get set, go!” an uncanny reverence fell over the country crowd as the lizards did their slip and slide up the incline, racing their way to the winner’s circle.
I really don’t recall which of the small lizards won the lightweight race but in the large lizard category, it was the bearded dragon “Spike” of Wendell who took top spoils.
I’m still asking myself about the trade-off I’ve made. I no longer have a CompUSA and Best Buy around the corner. I don’t have 10 or more world-class entertainment groups at my beck and call any weekend in Chicago. But now that I’ve experienced the Lizard Lick Olympics, I’ve concluded that I’m glad I made the move. There simply are some things that money can’t buy: sheer pure country fun that’s “Lizard Lickin’ good”… y’all!
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