“Right Around The Corner!”

The Ides of March have passed. Taxes have been paid or refunds collected, and May flowers are beginning to bloom.

You know what that means don’t you? It means that The Snake Alley Festival of Film is “right around the corner,” as my mother used to say.

She used that expression regarding deadlines for upcoming events such as homework assignments, school projects, chores I promised to do…and holidays. In my formative years I spent a lot of time peeking around corners hoping to get a glimpse of some future event…but to no avail.

I eventually came to realize that “right around the corner,” “before you know it,” and “it’ll sneak up on you,” all meant the same thing. “Get your butt in gear!”

What does this have to do with The Snake Alley Festival of Film? Well, it’s coming up on June 3^rd, which is “right around the corner!”

So, get your butt in gear and get your tickets bought, rooms booked and travel arranged.

You should also detox your liver in preparation. Amy Walsh is looking for a venue for a fourth “after party,” so be prepared.

You might also get a chance to see Lonnie Schuyler reprise his famous Michael Flatley dance routine in front of the theater.

See you in Burlington, Iowa. Be there or be square.

“Follow That Dream!”

Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock was known as “The Flying Housewife” in 1964 when she became the first female pilot to fly solo around the world. Lonnie Schuyler, (our fearless leader) was only 1½ years old.

 A statue dedicated to her accomplishment will be unveiled Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Port Columbus International Airport. That’s exactly 50 years from the day she landed there completing her epic feat.

At 88-years old, her health prevents her from attending. Her only disappointment is that a movie was never made about her exploits. (Hint Hint)

Her advice to those who want to travel to a different drummer: “Follow your dreams. Don’t let people discourage you from trying.”

If you’re a film maker who is following your dreams, do you have an entry entered in The Snake Alley Festival of Film? Why not? You until have until April the 15^th, so get with it.

Now for a bit of movie trivia. “Follow That Dream” was an American musical filmed on the gulf coast of Florida in 1962. It starred Elvis Presley and he had a hit song of the same name. There is a now a road near the filming site called Follow That Dream Parkway.

Hope to see you all here in June for the 3^rd Annual Snake Alley Festival of Film.

“Ding! Dong! The Groundhog’s Dead”

It looks as though spring is FINALLY arriving here in Burlington, Iowa. And…it’s about time. We need to be able to look forward to that “beautiful “first week in June weather” that has been a hallmark of every Snake Alley Festival of Film since the beginning.

To add to that, we have a plethora (look it up, Bunky) of really excellent entries this year, and the judges have been working their eyeballs to the bone. (What!?! You didn’t know that eyeballs had bones?)

There are gonna be some killer flicks…and a couple of new surprises this year. So, you definitely do not want to miss this one. Make plans to be here.

The downside to this nice spring weather is the judges are starting to get “Spring Fever.” We had to use leg irons to shackle them to their chairs. If we didn’t, they would sneak out and go tip-toeing through the tulips, or lolly-gagging down in the meadow, or romping in the woods, or…well, you get the idea.

Not to worry though. When the judging is done, we’ll give them each a double-shot of espresso with lots of sugar and a puppy. Then we’ll send them home to their parents.

Speaking of parents, Lonnie’s step-brother is coming this year. Yet another reason to attend as you watch the two neophytes try to best the master. (That would be me, Lonnie and Ray’s dad.) Little do these two up-starts realize…the master has not revealed all of his tricks.

Book your flights and rooms now. Space is going fast. Plus…there will be wiener-dog races down the main street of town.