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Frank finishes his amazing burger and watches the final game of hold-em between Dane, Brad, Johnny and Miss Hoffman; which Frank can see a connection between Dane and Meg. They're so obvious that even Frank notices, and he's terrible at detecting social cues. Johnny stomped with a full house first game, but then never won a game again. It was mostly Dane, followed by Miss Hoffman and then Brad.

As Frank washes his hands then heads to join the game, his dad stops him, "Oh no, buddy. I need help hauling tonight. The festival is our biggest income source for the year, I'm gonna need you, pal. I'll even buy you a dozen storage jars for tea or whatever experimental brew you want next." Not even waiting for Frank's answer, he's got Frank wearing himself out for the next several hours; hauling and driving alcohol and soft beverages to the bar and local vendors.

His father isn't lying. The deliveries are paid for upon delivery and it's enough to pay bills for most of the year. This doesn't include bar sales. On top of that, Frank caught wind of the 'Annual Beer Competitions' which his father sponsored half the alcohol. Several breweries, distilleries and aging warehouses also donated. This alcohol is great advertisement and if the competition runs out, they come to Felix for more, which then costs. Entry fee is usually 5 credits, but this year the grand prize is a keg and trophy? What the? Last year, over 500 contestants, the winner got 1000 credits and a trophy. If only the parents would let the kids compete. Smith Falls kids get to.

Frank isn't sure how he climbed into bed. He stares at the ceiling, thinking about how tomorrow will go, and drifts off.

Frank is woken up by his mother, "Okay lazy butt. Get up! Big day today. If you join any competitions, let me or your father know so that we know when you'll be busy. Breakfast is on the table. There is a list of events and competitions on the table too." Frank is sitting up by the time his mom leaves the room, "Have fun and NO DRINKING!" she shouts from the hall, almost as though she knew he was drinking yesterday.

Frank gets cleaned up, dressed, groomed and heads down and sees two breakfast sandwiches, loaded with cheese, spiced meats on toasted bread. A tall glass of apple juice sits above his plate along with a note beside his utensils. It's large:

Competitions and Gambling:
Horse Races (1st place: 100 cr, second place: 50 credits, 3rd place: 25 credits) and a trophy
Steeplechasing: (1st place: 100 cr, second place: 50 credits, 3rd place: 25 credits) and a trophy
Arm Wrestling (1st place: 10 credits and a trophy, 2nd Place: 5 credits and a trophy)
Billiards (Winners receive 5 credits and a trophy)
Dart Tournament (Winners receive a bottle of whiskey and a trophy)
Axe Throwing (Winners Receive a chainsaw and a trophy)
Annual Beer drinking games: Winner gets a keg of beer and a trophy
MMA Fights (undetermined matches) : Prizes yet to be determined and a trophy
Barrel Racing: Winner gets a bottle of wine
High Jump: Winner gets either 1 credit or a bale of hay
Tug o War: Winners receive 2 credits each and the rope
Texas Holdem
Poker (5 card draw)
Roulette
Black Jack (played with 5 decks)
Dance off: Winners (top two) receive two credits and an all expense (travel, food, room, some entertainment) paid trip to Smith Falls for a day and night and a trophy.
Singing Competition: (Winner receives 5 credits and a boombox)
Marksman Competition: (Winner receives a newly made 30-06 with a new distancing scope and a trophy)
Archery Competition: (Winner receives a newly made compound bow with a quiver of new metal arrows and a trophy)
Relay Races: (Winners each get 1 credit and a trophy)
Three legged races: (Winners each get 1 credit)
Sack Race: Winner gets a 50# sack of potatoes.
Cooking competition: (Hosted by Phil Williams, popular chef from Smith Falls) Winner receives 5 credits and new professional cookware.
Chess Tournament: (Winner gets a new carved granite chess set)
Checkers Tournament: (Winner gets a new carved granite checkers set)
Cornhole Tournament: (Winner gets their own cornhole game and a trophy)
King of the Ring: (Winner gets 100 credits and a trophy)
Obstacle Course: (Win one credit per checkpoint completed within time limit. Win 1000 credits for completing the course)

After reading the note, he grins and realizes that if Dane can catch a good looking lady like the town librarian, then he probably could too. He goes down and checks his current concoctions that are brewing and a few new types of sodas; chokecherry soda, which has mixed reviews.

There's a knock at the front door, while Frank is halfway through his first sandwich. He answers to Johnny, all dressed up and looking ready for a date, grinning from ear to ear, "Ready buddy? Let's go tear shit up!" He looks past Frank at the table, "We sneaking any beverages in?"

Frank looks at Johnny and says, "Not this time unfortunately my timing on the beverages I've been working on was a little off and don't have any ready for a day or two." He sighs before continuing, "Would've been nice but probably for the best since I plan on entering the competitions that require throwing things like darts or axes. We don't need to have anybody with extra holes in them. Also I'm hoping to with the sack race to get those potatoes I think I can make some fine spirits with those. Oh can't forget the hold em game the sheriff said he'd cover the buy in." Frank gets up and puts his dishes in the sink so he doesn't get in trouble later before heading out with Johnny

Frank sighs, "Not this time, unfortunately. My timing on the beverages, that I've been working on, was a little off and I won't have any ready for a day or two." He sighs before continuing, "Would've been nice, but probably for the best since I plan on entering the competitions that require throwing things like darts or axes. We don't need to have anybody with extra holes in them. Also I'm hoping to win the sack race to get those potatoes. I think I can make some fine spirits with those. Oh! I can't forget the hold-em game. The sheriff said he'd cover the buy in." Frank gets up and puts his dishes in the sink.

Johnny watches Frank eat both sandwiches, almost like a dog, commanding the food to leap from Frank's hands and into his mouth, but once the dishes enter the sink, he gives a veiled sigh, "You see the event list? The town is crazy! There are so many people there that I may know maybe one in twenty people." As Frank heads outside, Johnny continues, "I never found Kendal last night. But Teddy was at the gym so no idea where she went. I hope she's okay."

The walk into town takes about twenty minutes. The closer they get, the more they hear the roar of excitement from the crowd and sounds of vehicles. A roadster motorbike even rides by. "Woah, that bike's worth more than both of our houses combined!" Johnny exclaims. "Someday, Frank, we'll be rich and can get anything we want, eh?"

The construction of several rides, like a carnival, are almost complete. The rollercoaster is already doing test runs. The ferris wheel and carousel are almost complete. A giant wooden rug slide, called the helter skelter, spirals from fourty feet up. Tents and booths stretch clear out of town, even to where the native population has set up their teepees behind the bar. A tilt-a-whirl is almost completed. Carnival games, which are mostly scams, dot all over. The entire edge of town is nothing but spots to tie up horses or park vehicles. The entirety of main street is for walking. Johnny hands Frank the attraction list:

Events and Attractions:
Fortune Teller: Costs 1 credit
Massage and spa tents
Chiropractic Tent
At least a dozen food vendors
Constant Live Music with Dancing
Balloon Pop (Prizes vary)
Bottle Break
Helter Skelter Slide
Roller Coaster
Tilt-a-whirl
Ferris Wheel
Carousel
Ring Toss
Magic Show
Mirror Maze
Petting zoo
High Striker
Egg Toss (Winner gets 1 credit and a basket of eggs)
Boxing Exhibition Match (Vi "Warwick" Trent vs Teddy "The Terror" Swenson) Prize: 20 credits
Grease Pig Run: Winner gets free food for the rest of the day (wear disposable clothing)
Greased Pole Climb: Prizes are on the pole (wear disposable clothing)
Credit hunt (up to 50 credits: Age limit (no one under 2 or over 10)
Produce Judging and prizes
Theatre Drama Show
Art Show and Judging
Human Piñata
Bingo

Frank looks over the list, "Hey Johnny think you can catch a pig. The free food sounds tempting. What the hell is a human piñata. Also where did they find a fortune teller." oO(should've brought a change of clothes for the grease events.....wonder if that teller is hack or the real deal)Oo Looking over at Johnny, "So where should we start?" Frank asks before checking his wallet to see his funds.

Frank examines the list, "Hey, Johnny, think you can catch a pig? The free food sounds tempting. What the hell is a human piñata? Also where did they find a fortune teller?" oO(should've brought a change of clothes for the grease events. I wonder if that teller is a hack or the real deal)Oo

Frank looks up from the list. "So, where should we start?"

"Woah! One question at a time!" Johnny exclaims as Frank sees only six credits in his wallet. "Let's see. The Human Piñata is pretty much tag, except the piñata is covered in candy and money. Everyone else has to try and pluck the prizes off of him or her. No tackling or holding..." Johnny tries to remember the rules, "...and can only collect a maximum of three prizes per person." He laughs and begins to shout over the noise of town. "Heck, we played when we were kids! We've never had a fortune teller who wasn't native." He shrugs. "I'm not doing either of the grease games this year unless I get to go first on the pole climb. Not worth ruining my clothes." He grins at Frank. "But you can!"

They walk past most of the residential areas and up an alley toward Main Street. The half of the alley closest to Main is already crowded with people just trying to stay out of foot traffic or needing to stand in one place. Some of the crowd has even drifted outside of town towards the native Indian camps, where handcrafted tools, weapons, herbs and foods, clothing, and jewelry can be bought. Amongst some of their services, the most appealing is "spiritual cleansing," which Lord Stein absolutely detests. Other services include spiritual journeys, which usually involve smoking a fruit known as Peyote. That one has gotten popular. Other services include tours, archery lessons, proper weapon handling and maintenance, history lessons and stories, and rickshaws. Yes, that last one is a new taxi service they've recently created to get older folks around the outskirts of town for cheap.

The main street is peaceful, yet loud and fun, chaos. Rides, services, wares, food, drinks, games, both official and unofficial contests, gambling, events and just people are everywhere. Most of main street is a shoulder to shoulder, slow, clockwise drift. Frank is sure that Johnny is still talking, but it's too hard to hear.

He tries to spot anyone else that he knows, but only sees Lord Stein, standing on his front porch, talking to some people in the crowd. He seems quite happy and proud. The mounted sheriff and deputies, once in a while, pop in and out of view as they drift through the edges of the crowd. The stores are nearly dangerously packed. He tries to see if his mom is overwhelmed at the bar, but even a block away is too far to tell. His dad hired on several bartenders and servers for the day, but last year, two of them just walked out to go enjoy the festivities with their gratuity credits.

Frank feels Johnny's hand on his shoulder. Upon glancing back, he's just trying not to get swept away by an opposing current of people, flowing in the opposite direction. Frank realizes that Johnny is still shouting about getting credits, but can barely hear him. Johnny's always had hard luck. His mom can barely keep food on the table and works any odd job that she can find. She's even mentioned moving to Smith Falls for more opportunities, but stays because all of Johnny's friends live in Fort Hammer. She's working today, helping Frank's mom with bartending.

They finally reach a sanctuary in the throng. An alleyway, about half a block from the bar, seems to be the ideal spot to get out of the crowd, rest, and be able to hear each other. Johnny repeats himself, "Let's go to the Bottoms Up. My mom might have a few credits by now."

A moment later, a familiar face appears from the crowd. A tall kid, around their age, wiggles from out of the crowd, into the alley. His long, dark hair falls lackadaisically around his face, down to just above his shoulders. His dark eyes flash happiness upon spotting Frank and Johnny. His name is Steve and he's from Smith Falls. He was at last year's festival and had made friends with everyone. He was very popular with the ladies and it looks like he will be even more. He's taller and looks tougher.

"Francis! John-boy!" He calls out, "I'm back!" His smile could light up a French catacomb.

"Woah!" Johnny laughs, "I missed ya!" Of course Johnny would miss him. He bought everything for Johnny last year.

"I'm competing in the King of the Ring this year!" Steve proudly announces. "You guys doing it?"

The King of the Ring is an all-out violent rumble divided into competition heats. The first group is the thirteen to twenty-one year-old age group. The second group is post-twenty year olds, weighing under 120 pounds. The third group is post-twenty year olds, weighing between 120 and 199 pounds. The fourth group consists of the heavyweights; regardless of age, if you are 200 pounds or more, you are in the heavyweights. After each heat, the top three are selected to compete in the champions match. The goal is to be the last one, or ones, standing. Eliminations occur in the event of: 1. getting knocked out, 2. getting submitted, 3. being knocked or thrown out of the ring, 4. disqualifications, or 5. a member of your 'entourage' throwing in a towel for you. It is one of the most popular events of the day.

"Steve, long time buddy. How's Smith Falls been?" Frank asks. "I don't think I'm going to be joining any of the fights or rumbles this year. We were just discussing where we wanted to start the fun but had to dip into this alley just to hear ourselves think." looking between Johnny and Steve, "Do you have any idea on were we should start?"

"Steve, long time, buddy. How's Smith Falls been?" Frank asks.

"Not bad. Got a lot better on my skateboard!" he shows a scrape on his elbow, "Getting tougher!" with a smile.

"I don't think I'm going to be joining any of the fights or rumbles this year. We were just discussing where we wanted to start the fun but had to dip into this alley just to hear ourselves think." Frank glances between Johnny and Steve, "Do you have any idea on were we should start?"

"How about we go do the obstacle course?" Steve widely grins, "And yes, I'll pay our entry fees."

"Thanks buddy, most of my funds are tied up in product and product is a couple days behind schedule," Frank says smirking towards Johnny, "Speaking of which, when are you headed back? I have a beautiful specimen that should be ready tomorrow that I think you'd like." He says in his best business voice.

"Thanks buddy, most of my funds are tied up in product and product is a couple days behind schedule," Frank says, flashing Johnny a smirk, "Speaking of which, when are you headed back? I have a beautiful specimen that should be ready tomorrow that I think you'd like." He says in his best business voice.

"Oh man, probably tomorrow." Steve laughs, "My ride is probably going to be too drunk tonight. They're joining the drinking contests."

Lord Stein can be heard, over the roar of the crowd, on a loudspeaker, "Egg toss challenge and the three-legged race after are coming up! If you haven't signed up yet, then it would be best to do so now!" There is a slight pause, "After that, signups for the tug-o-war tournament will commence!"

"Do we have time?" Johnny asks.

"We should if we hurry and get in line." Steve replies, "Although, I'm not too worried about the egg toss game.

"Well let's get over there then." Frank says moving to get in line for the egg toss. "You guys know how everyone always jumps in the sack race? Couldn't you just pull the sack kinda tight and just walk by sliding your feet along the sack?" He asks to make conversion while waiting. "I mean especially since most of the time the race is done on grass so when people fall it hurts less."