Before Santa embarks on his all night journey to drop off presents to every good girl and boy in the world, there’s another holiday to celebrate.
It’s a little something called Festivus. And as the Dec. 18, 1997 episode of Seinfeld taught us, it’s a holiday for the rest of us.
In the almost 19 years since it originally aired, the made-up holiday featuring an aluminum pole instead of a decorated tree has become something of a big deal.
And you can count Area 23 among those following the good word of Frank Costanza.
“It’s our way of having a holiday celebration,” said owner Kirk McNeil. “Festivus just kind of seems to fit our little pub.”
Traditionally celebrated on Dec. 23, Area 23 will be hosting its second annual Festivus celebration on Dec. 21 (that’s next Wednesday) from 7 to 10 p.m. at its Smokestack Center location.
The reason McNeil chose to host the party a few days early is so it can coincide with open mic night, which will make the airing of grievances all the more noteworthy.
Now if you’ve never seen the Festivus episode, you really need to. But in the meantime, we’ll try to explain it as best we can. It was invented by Costanza after one particular Christmas shopping experience went horribly wrong.
In addition to the aluminum pole, which requires no decorations, there is the annual airing of grievances. That’s where you can get up and explain to others how they have disappointed you in the past year. Depending on who shows up, this could take a while. And the use of a microphone will ensure everyone has a chance to be heard.
“If anybody’s got something they want to talk about, here is your chance,” McNeil said.
The night will also include the Festivus tradition of the Feats of Strength. Now in Seinfeld, this is where the head of the household must be pinned, but at Area 23, they’ve abandoned the notion of wrestling for more bar worthy categories – like keg lifting and stein holding.
There is also supposed to be a Festivus dinner, and McNeil’s kitchen staff will be cooking up something unique, but you’ll have to buy it to try it. And yes, there will be beer available for purchase, which should only enhance the celebration.
“A lot of people who are regulars of ours have there own family things to go to, so this is just a chance to do something that’s not the same, something different,” McNeil said.
There’s no sign up or fee, just go to Area 23 next Wednesday to enjoy Festivus – for the rest of us.
