Warm Weather Weirdness
Hi friends,
It's finally happening: the city is thawing out.
You know what that means. Once it hits 60 degrees, people will hang out with about anyone or do anything just because it it's finally bearable to exist without 30 layers of clothing. That's what I love about NYC in the spring. Not only does it shed jackets, but it also strips the usual emotional barriers, leading to unexpected forms of community.
I became fully aware that spring has sprung during my work assignment this week. One of my favorite parts of working for a small newsroom would definitely be the hyperlocal stories that I get to cover. I am constantly learning new things about a city that I have lived in for three years. This past Tuesday, I learned March 10th (MAR10) unofficially marks Super Mario day.
I was sent out to Union Square to cover the massive GameStop event, where hundreds of New Yorkers gathered to beat the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Mario.
Mary Mayo
While it definitely wouldn't be my first choice to spend the warmest day of the year so far at a Mario convention, I found the results to be very wholesome. Talking to people, I learned that many did not know each other beforehand. For some, it was their first big outing since winter. It was ridiculous, joyful, and exactly what happens when NYC thaws: people find community in the weirdest, most delightful places because the weather finally lets us.
I can also confirm NYC did break The Guinness World Record for the most people dressed as Mario in one place.
Happy spring! If you are looking for places to find community or just fun things to do this season, I highly recommend checking out my friend's event:
It's technically a singles event, but also hosted at a local gallery. So whether you are looking for love or just wanting to check out great art, this is a great place to do so!
See you guys next week!
—Mary
lovingly preserving life's leftovers in TheMayoJar.
