In the Third Place

The Columbia Festival of the Arts happened this weekend, with festivities all weekend long down at the Lakefront. I missed most of it because I was home hiding from the heat, but on Sunday evening I couldn't stand the feeling of missing out on anything worthy and went down to see the final performance of the March Fourth Marching Band.  Here a video taken by David Hobby that might give you a little insight on how happy I was that I made the choice to go down.

The band was perfect for the Art Fest and I urge the organizers to get them back next year! Their energy and interactivity and the level of performance they delivered was breathtaking. And, the rest of the story of my evening is even more cool. Without specifically planning to, I met up with JessieX, who is the reason I wanted to go to begin with, after she shared her pleasure in the band and posted a clip of their music. Mary Kate and fellow blogger Wendy were there too, with their families. After the performance, we stayed, and hung out. It's been a long time since I've just hung out. Today's events are usually so planned, so orchestrated. They require coordination and iteration and everyone's just so busy that we aren't all that relaxed when the time comes to get together. This was just spontaneous and lovely. I met other people while we sat there, like hula hooper Monica. My kid ran around with other kids. The air cooled down and I kicked back and enjoyed the breeze from the lake. We chatted over picnic dinners and snacks. We blew bubbles and played with Jessie's hula hoops.

I'm taking a class right now on communities. There are many definitions of community, but according to some, two of the essential elements of a community are a shared sense of space, and a shared sense of identity. By shared sense of identity, I mean the idea of who "we" are, as a group. You, my dear reader, are probably a resident of the virtual community of Howard County - whatever you may call it. We are the Hoco! 

A major focus of my class is what happens when the concept of shared space turns virtual. For example, hocoblogs is a shared space for we residents of the Hoco, and you probably already know all about that and what makes it interesting. What I find even more interesting is the intersection between virtual and physical spaces. It's how I ended up at the concert at the same time as Jessie, who saw my check-in on foursquare, then after arriving gave me a call to locate me in the crowd. We inhabit the virtual and the real worlds simultaneously. In either world, there is a concept called the Third Place, which is not home and not work, but a shared, easily accessible public place, that in a well-functioning community provides neutral ground for vital, informal, social interaction to take place. It's a coffee shop, or a general store: a hangout. It's a lakefront. This summer, the Lakefront is going to be the third place to be.

Next week Monday begins the summer long series of free movies shown at the Lakefront starting at dusk. Dusk - I just love that. Pay attention to the movement of the sun, or better yet,  just get there a little early and set up your blanket for a picnic dinner and wait until the movie starts. Oh and while you're there, hang out with your neighbors. Maybe right now they are your virtual neighbors, but you can bridge the worlds and know them in person while you set up your blanket, watch Megamind or sneak out before it is over to put your toddler to bed. It's easy, it's informal, and it's awesome. Hey, we made it a tweetup, too, so you can let people know you are coming and see who else will be there.

See you at the Lakefront!


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