Matt stepped out of the jail house and started up the board walk toward the Long Branch to meet Kitty. She had agreed to join him at the grand opening of the Dodge Summer Fair. It was an annual event that brought the citizens together for pie contests, shooting contests and the like. Even a small travelling circus was in town.
This would be the 7th annual fair. The town council headed by the Chairman were ready to kick it off in promised fine fashion at 9:30 in the morning. Matt briskly walked up the street when he saw Kitty step out of the Long Branch Saloon.
"Morning cowboy!" She greeted him. Matt smiled and pushed his hat back on his head and greeted her. "Are you ready for another summer fair?" He asked as he sensed her trepidation.
"Oh, sure. After last year's fair when someone decided to re-enact the running of the bulls...What could possibly go wrong?" Kitty remained sceptical.
"You'll be happy to know, that I have asked all the cattlemen to have a sober watch and no running of the bulls." Matt said with a slight hint of sarcasm laying under his charm.
Kitty looked Matt in the eyes. "If you say so..." She smiled. "We better hurry. Doc is about to proclaim the fair open."
Matt held out his arm for Kitty to take. She did and the two strolled down the street to the square. A sizable crowd had gathered and the atmosphere was that of celebration. Blue, red and white bunting adorned the buildings and children waved coloured flags and held balloons in their little hands. The band was sounding in fine form as Doc stepped up to the podium. Festus stood behind watching with care.
Doc motioned for the band to stop playing. "Good morning ladies and gentlemen! As Chairman of the Town Council's Committee of Social Events, I would like to welcome you to Dodge and our 7th annual Summer Fair..." A cheer rose from the crowd.
"It is my honour to proclaim the fair open and would like to say that I hope that everyone here has a terrific time!" Again another cheer rose from the crowd. "There are posters of schedule of events on the marshal's notice board and one at the Dodge House as well." The crowd was growing with excitement; everyone wanted to get on with the events.
Doc held his hands up to try and calm the crowd. "And one small thing to mention, before I let you go...and this is a special event...tonight after dark, Mr Jonas has planned a display of fireworks for all to see!" The crowd roared. "Let the fair begin!" Doc peeled off his hat and waved it at the throng as they continued to cheer.
Balloons lifted up into the sky and people applauded with happiness as they spread out to see the various displays of animals, food, handicrafts and shooting skills. Not to forget the circus.
Festus joined Doc. "They seem pretty happy with yer speech, Doc."
Doc stuck his finger in his ear. "I guess so. I could hardly hear myself talking."
Matt and Kitty met up with Doc and Festus. "You sure got them wound up!" Kitty winked at Doc.
"Well that's why we've got him...and him around." Doc pointed at Matt and Festus in a joking manner.
Matt stretched his back, making him look even taller next to the doctor. "Ya know...if things get out hand, I may have to take you in as the instigator..." He looped his thumbs into his belt.
Doc squinted one eye at him and then looked at Kitty. "You got any coffee on?"
"Sure do, Doc." she laughed. Matt placed his hand on Doc's shoulder. "Just jokin' Doc."
"I certainly hope so...mind you...couple of years behind bars might be more restful than this town at times!" Doc followed Kitty to the Long Branch. He stopped when he realized that Matt nor Festus were following them. He turned and looked at the two lawmen and a sly smile curled under his moustache. "Just jokin'..."