Barefoot to Shakespeake

I always thought that going barefoot to a park to watch a ball game or to a county fair or a similar, grassy place would be enjoyable–and likely more comfortable than a sidewalk. You used to see a few such folks at summer events. I may have gone barefoot to a county fair in Maryland but I can’t remember if I did or only thought about it. But I once met a person who said she loved to go to the local softball games without her shoes on and she could thus relax upon the bleachers on the sunny day.

During a trip to see friends and to “chill” for a few days, as I looked for a event between visits, I noticed an upcoming, outdoor Shakespeare festival. We had been to these festivals in the past, where the seats were placed on the grass in front of the stage, in a pretty, pastoral location. The website indicated that there was no dress code, since the area was available for casual picnics beforehand. I’d not had any shoeless “adventures” for two or three summers, so I decided to take a chance.

I put on newer jeans and knit shirt and drove over. Then I padded to the gate, gave the ticket person my ticket, walked down the path to the grassy area and plastic chairs by the stage, and found a seat. "All good," as they say, and how peaceful to be attend the evening event completely barefooted, with the cool grass beneath! The play was wonderfully performed. At intermission I waded through the grass to the concession stand and got a warm pretzel, prompting a conversation with another playgoer who wondered if they were good, and who then got in line and purchased enough for the family.