Dan A Ellis

Hurricane Party Dan A Ellis

Hurricane Parties- A Tradition for many If you have never run to the shores to feel the brunt of hurricane wind, you've never experienced one of the biggest thrills in living near the Gulf Coast. Salt-water spraying from the pounding surf is exhilarating in itself. Nature's Wonders are also Nature's Follies. Needless to say, as many can attest, braving the eye of a powerful hurricane storm can be utter foolery. Hurricanes, are nothing new to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For decades and even centuries, many Coast families have had the tradition of gathering with their family or friends in the comfort of the grandparents home or the dwelling that was deemed most safe and comfortable. Folks would gather together seeking one and other's familiar company. It was much like a family reunion - each would bring their treasure bundles and boxes of goodies to spend the night through. There was always plenty of food and cakes, cookies, and candies lending an air of celebration. - And there was always the hidden or open bottles of "Kickapoo Joy Juice." Fears would be quelled, particularly of the young ones who would listen to past stories boastfully told of hurricanes gone by. Usually the men would gather in the living room as the women posted themselves in the kitchen, and the kids ran helter-skelter. Radios and televisions were made in good order and kept on as background noises to the nervous chatter and the extended greetings with new arrivals. Telephone calls were made to let everyone know who was present and accounted for and at what location they could be found. There was always the need for someone's medication, a particular battery size, one of the kid's favorite toys - that would cause one of the young men to rush out to brave the early awakening storm - just to have an opportunity to refresh and get to a store - or home to pick up "vital" supplies. Before the errand boy's departure, one of the older men would always slip a wad of one dollar bills in his pocket with a wink that needed no explanation.