Just winding down from a fun time in Jonestown at Swift-Fest. TOWN-Austin was represented well by JacqueA, RachelA, JanB, GloriaB, JanetFB, JudyL and CarolynD. We set up a booth displaying a few of our outdoor tools (hiking sticks, daypacks, binoculars, hiking boots, flip flops, beach towels, TOWN first-aid kit) and displayed two custom made bucket lights. We had many interested women visit our booth and gave away about 50 copies of our latest newsletter. One new TOWNie joined on the spot and several took applications. We also pleased lots of kids with our lolly pop give aways. We enjoyed 3 live bands ranging from jazz to rock to folk music.
Janet and I went to observe the Chimney Swift drop into the cistern at about 8 pm. There was a contest to guess how many birds would drop into the cistern. Last year there were over 400 and some years 1,000 plus and some years less than 20. It seems to depend on the dry weather conditions. The count this year was 369. It was interesting watching the birds circle around for 20 minutes or so, then start dropping into the cistern for the night.
This was the 4th year for Swift-Fest and each year it is growing and evolving. We were invited to come again next year. Oh, and yes, some of us ate to maintain our Town-Austin tradition. We enjoyed BBQ sandwiches and sno-cones served in chinese takout containers.
Carolyn