Shoparooni in the Collinwood neighborhood of
organized a street-wide scavenger hunt on
this past Saturday. The scavenger list, provided by the store, incorporated the
silliness of random photography as well as individual cafe, gallery and store
promotions. And taking pictures doing silly tasks certainly ranks up there on
my list of fun-things-to-do.
After having naughty fun with stuffed moustaches and Yummy Breakfast! at
Shoparooni, we entered Music Saves to partake in the celebration of National
Record Store Day. With a cold can of Pabst on hand (and my
t-shirt to commemorate), we were well on our way of accumulating points. Easily
finding a flyer, having a receipt and finding a pin/sticker/etc. advertising
Music Saves, our additional tasks were: a photo holding one of the owners
and/or the cat, Vinyl (we chose Melanie); scouring the bargain CD bin for
covers with a) almost naked person (found Pulp’s “This is Hardcore CD”), b)
animals humping, c) badly-drawn cover art (found an album called “Whore Luck” –
got a few extra points for “WTF?”), d) 80s band attempting to make a comeback.
At Beachland Ballroom, our list included: a bartender’s
phone number written on a napkin (extra points for lipstick kiss), bar coaster,
hand stamp and to bring back a Fried PB&J sandwich (mmmm, good!). We
skipped posing on-stage with the band to go complete the other tame items
(read: sober) on the list. Sadly, we ran out of time by the end of the hunt to
return to the Beachland.
Next on our path was Arts Collinwood, where the artist gleefully participated
in sketching me on a yellow Post-it with curly hair and a gap-toothed smile. I
later took advantage of her with several point-building photo-ops by hugging,
kissing, slow-dancing with her, having her
spank me, and humping her leg.
At Café Marika, the fellow patrons seated at the bar were
none-to-pleased with my apologies for having to lie across the bar while they
were drinking. KT’s mission in posing with the giraffe seemed much more
simplistic in comparison. The staff was exceptional in providing us a take-out
cup and menu without hesitation. And wow, I’m hungry for desserts! On what was
seemingly becoming an unenlightening-sober-yet-silly night out, we also passed
on jamming with the jazz combo.
Since the “Back in 5 Minutes” sign was off the entry to This Way Out on our
return back up
off our photo opportunity to pose dressed in crazy vintage clothing. I’m not so
sure that the employees got the memo.
Certainly taking a swing into super silly, our next assignment was a video of
interpretive dance in the statue garden (I’m having a brain fart as to the
actual location name). I’m still not quite sure why my friend asked me to act
like “chop-sticks,” but it was inspiring enough to create some interesting new
dance moves. Download MOV
Exit Stencil recording studio was when all hell broke loose,
as fellow scavenger hunters were fighting in line to chop a lock of the owners’
hair. We distracted the room, when it came time to receive signed autographs
from a recording artist. You are probably guessing correctly as that the
placement of the temporary ink was to be on the ass or the titties. Since we
performed as a duo, we each had one of our body parts signed. If you are
internet-savvy enough, I’m sure you will find a professional photo somewhere of
my ass. I am happy to report that in my sound mind, I did not use a Sharpie.
Good luck to the gentleman autographed in red completely across his butt cheek.
The final points on our list consisted of a few bits and
pieces over at an Open House on East 157th (I think). We had to collect
a scratch-off lottery ticket (I won $5!) from the broker and a photo/video of
us break-dancing in the living room. Thank you to the remarkable real estate
agent who gracefully re-opened the house and amused us with a quick showing in
order for us to complete our scavenger hunt.
We didn’t achieve grand prize status, but ended up with a
total of 300 points. Checkpoints completed throughout the night at the store were
also worthwhile, with complimentary beers. Steve at Shoparooni gifted me with a
terrific pair of cute camouflage flats for our point total (fourth place,
maybe?), to which I’m forever grateful. Seriously, the shoes are absolutely
adorable.
The network of business owners and patrons were (mostly) aware
of our shenanigans and were more than willing to engage in conversation about
the neighborhood, most importantly being that they all love being a part of
Collinwood. This is another important neighborhood of
that is slowly seeing a revival and revitalization. While I enjoy checking off
another item in my personal “scavenger hunt” list, I am ultimately appreciative I
have these diverse options to explore in my own city.
Don’t ever tell me there is nothing fun to do in
