Sunday, and F-Yeah fest is taking place in different places around L.A. -- lots of events in Echo Park. Shows by many bands, such as No Age and Crystal Antlers. The most intriguing of the festival events was a scavenger hunt -- like the one they held last year. This year, the hunt started at the northeast corner of Echo Park Lake. Participants were instructed in advance to form teams of 2 to 5 members, and the teams had to wear outfits. So, my daughter, my dog and I arrive to watch the call to hounds, and we find a big crowd. Lots of groups of twenty- and even thirty-somethings, mostly dressed in costume. There was a group of five guys dressed in blue capes. There was a group of three wearing lilac T-shirts; the women's shirts said "Tits" and the man's shirt read "Dick" (Chicken Corner thinks he got the short end of that particular stick). There were cowboys and cowgirls, guys dressed up in suits. Everyone milling around. Old ladies hunt around looking for cast-away bottles and cans. An ice cream vendor rings a small bell, but no one's buying. When the festival organizers call out for one member of each team to line up, there is a sudden frenzied rush. Hunt details are handed out, one by one.
The list (of things that must be procured) includes:
"Menu from Ukrainian restaurant. 3 points"
"Shave off eyebrow: 25 points. Two eyebrows per whole team limit."
"In the drive thru of a fast food restaurant kiss the person at the window on the lips -- needs photographic evidence. 25 points."
Donation items listed for Union Rescue Mission -- 3 points per donation. No limit.
"Report card with F. Ask your parents. Does not need to be yours."
"Ticket stub pre 2003 -- 6 points." (Pre-when?!)