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“Well, I don’t have a problem with blurring the lines between fact and fantasy for the sake of entertainment,” says Mrs Radley checking the group dynamic. “Does anyone have an issue with Mr Weston’s castle?” She pauses for a moment, scanning the room, then says, “No? Well, alright, castle it is.”
Mrs Radley puts on her glasses and checks her phone, then she announces a welcome ten-minute break.
The committee members stand and stretch. There’s a background noise of chairs scraping on the floor and the hum of chat as I join Molly who is standing by herself at the refreshments table. I haven’t seen her since the day of the barbecue. We chat briefly and I meet Lydia, who owns the florist Blossoms in Blooms. She is also one of the judges of the Floral Display Awards, she tells me.
“If you want to witness absolute competitive determination, the Floral Display Awards delivers every year,” Lydia says, laughing.
“You think she’s joking?” Molly interjects. “She’s not.”
Mrs Radley calls time and we wander back to the table.
“Before we continue,” Mrs Radley says. “I’d like to remind everyone here that although last year’s was an exceptional Spring Fair, we can’t just repeat what we did and think that that will be satisfactory. We need fresh ideas. We need to build on what has gone before: it has to be better.”
Murmurs and nods ripple around the table.
“Excuse me,” Molly says. “I have an idea that would be perfect.” She takes a breath, then says, “I’d like to propose a dog and owner dress-up competition.”
“Sounds like fun, Molly. Can you elaborate and give us more of an overview of what you’re suggesting?”
“Sure. Okay. This is something I’ve seen at another event and it’s hugely entertaining. Imagine a cross between a dog show and a fashion show.” Molly gauges the interest of her listeners and is encouraged to go on. “It hits the mark regarding the ethos of the Spring Fair. The number one consideration in my mind is, it’s completely community-driven. Anyone with a dog can enter. Or anyone who wants to enter can borrow a dog to participate. It’s creative. The only stipulation is a continuity in the costume of dog and owner. We can set categories according to entries. Say adults and under eighteens? And maybe we can ask Phil at the vets to sponsor a prize or two? I could get in touch with a dog food company and see if they are interested in donating some product in return for a banner or logo on the webpage?”
Mrs Radley nods thoughtfully. She asks for feedback from the committee members and then asks me directly if I can foresee any safety concerns with the dog and owner dress-up competition.
“The only thing I can think of would be crowd control. And possibly unexpected behavior from the animals. Presumably, if you had a dog that wasn’t comfortable in social settings, you wouldn’t enter the competition. So, yeah. Sounds like fun.” I smile over to Molly, and she seems pleased with my assessment.
“Are there any other concerns or thoughts?” says Mrs Radley, looking at the committee members as they shake their heads. “No? Well, we’ll put it to a vote. All those in favor of the inaugural dog and owner dress-up competition, please raise your hand.”
The vote is unanimous. Molly looks pleased, although a little apprehensive.
“Thanks, everyone,” she says as Lydia gives her a hug.
“Wonderful,” says Mrs Radley. “So now we’re going to pair up and each pair will be assigned responsibilities moving forward.” Mrs Radley calls out the names of people who are going to be working together. “Mr Weston, if you could work with Mr Wickham. Miss Briggs, you’ll be working with Miss Ryan…”
“If I could make a suggestion, Mrs Radley?” Lydia raises her hand for permission to speak.
“Absolutely, Lydia. What are your thoughts?”
“It’s just that. It might be more convenient for me to pair up with Mr Weston. If that’s alright with you, Irvine.”
Mr Weston shrugs and smiles. “Fine by me, Lydia.”
“It’s just I don’t have transport and neither does Molly. And it makes sense for Cam and Molly to partner up together. They are neighbors, you see. I just thought. If that’s alright with everyone?” Lydia glances around the table for approval.
“I don’t have an issue with that,” Mrs Radley says, noting something in her folder. Then she looks up and removes her glasses. “Fabulous.” She claps her hands together. “I think that’s all for tonight. Let’s do our best to get things rolling and report back at the next meeting with glowing results.”
I shoot a glance at Molly who looks stunned. She turns to say something urgent to Lydia. Lydia shrugs and smiles then she stands up and prepares to leave. Other committee members are making their way slowly to the exit.
I stand and shake hands with people who want to welcome me personally to the committee. They tell me that the Spring Fair is the high point of the year for Oak River, and it all depends on a solid team of action-takers who get things done. I receive hearty slaps and get introduced to people but instantly forget their names. I smile and nod and make my way to the doorway where Molly and Lydia are waving goodbye to Reverand Manvers.
“This year is going to be super,” he says as he turns and walks away towards the church. Molly and Lydia smile and wave as he goes then they turn their attention toward me.
“Ah, Cam. I hope you didn’t mind my suggestion…” says Lydia smiling broadly. “…you know, regarding the change in the pair-ups.”
I look from Lydia to Molly, who is still watching Reverand Manvers walk away.
“Not at all,” I say, following Molly’s gaze. “It makes perfect sense to me. And you, Molly?”
Molly’s eyes dart up to meet mine. She smiles, shyly.
