The creature from

It was a dark and stormy night.  Okay.  It was a coldish South Dakota dawn, but who starts a horror story that way? Deep in the bowels of the earth (a really crappy place to be) a figure stirs.  Actually, it was the basement of 417 N. Broadway, but the descriptor at times is accurate.  Dressed from head to toe in brilliant orange, this creature slowly ascends the stairs, hands filled with offering plates.  Gods must be appeased!  In the area, mothers hide their children and fathers hide their beer!  It’s that time of the year again. Elmer Fudge rides!  Rooster Rush is a South Dakota promotion to welcome hunters to the area.  In Watertown, a contest is held each year to determine which businesses best exemplify the use of orange, the projection of theme, and employee participation.  Elmer Fudge is the judge (how rhymingly apropos) and carries with him plates of fudge for the winners.  Likewise, as part of his shyness therapy group, Elmer poses with the contestants at each business.  Where else can a senior citizen be surrounded by bevies of beauties without getting into trouble?  At the end of the day, the orange stocking cap emblazoned Elmer Fudge will be retired for yet another year.  The orange tennis shoes that only sort of fit will adorn the shoe rack.  The orange sweat pants will perhaps see wear during the winter, and the orange t-shirt, fleece, and vest will remain in use during the up-coming season!  But the creature within will return to the bowels to hibernate until next year!  Before he slips into relative obscurity again, he sends to you his best “boo!”, and a reminder that you are loved!