ok, i know most of you people aren't fans. it still carries a stigma of a redneck sport, but i can't help it.

yesterday, i went to bloom and there was the first sign that it is that time of year again. sitting outside the store was the "Tide Ride" for those that don't know, that's a stock car (tho there's not really much "stock" about it). it is the first sign that nascar has come to town. not for a week, but for two weeks.

i love this time of year. the city streets bulge with out-of-towners. event lights sit at stop lights, waiting to be turned on. restaurant and stores hang out signs that read "welcome race fans!" people begin wearing their multi-colored driver apparel and different race cars make appearances anywhere from mc donald's to home depot.

my all time favorite thing about this time of year is food lion's speed street. it's a three day festival that closes down most of uptown. food and beer vendors line the streets, drivers make appearances, and sponsor's give away free stuff. of course, no festival would be complete without free concerts.

last year i took our son and two of his friends. i wanted to see styx (which i made them sit through a couple of songs of) and they wanted to see three days grace (who i also love). the interesting (and clever) thing is that the festival organizers make sure there is something for everyone. name your poisen, country, rap or rock.

this year mc hammer will make an appearance(i'll be missing that one) and the "classic" rock band will be reo speedwagon. however, because reo will be on sat, i won't be making that one either.

fri night will be the night of choice. again, three days grace will perform, but the act following them is the one i'm interested in. STAIND! oooo, i'm getting excited and can't wait. those are the two bands that me, mark, z and cc will enjoy.

the family that rocks together, stays together.

mmmmmm, i can smell the rubber and racing gasoline in the air!

don't worry folks, pictures will be coming.