While it has only been a couple of months, I am still lamenting the loss of Grandin Theatre. It was a great place to see new releases at reasonable prices and the venue, even with its rustic charms, added to the plethora of ways to entertain oneself in St. Albert. Now, I find myself drawn to lesser forms of amusement, such as merging from three lanes to two which often takes as long as a feature film, waiting to turn left on the trail and of course, wondering where the guy who sells flags and ‘knifes’ will set up next.
Lately however, I am drawn like the windshield towards the fly to one of my favourite new haunts for the incredulous and bizarre: Walmart. Like you, I have watched many YouTube segments on the weird and wonderful cast of colourful characters who show up from time to time at Walmart stores. The recent super moon certainly brought out the most interesting assortment of critters including a real wolfman, a pirate, women wearing pajamas and more face tattoos than you could shake a piercing at! Sure, this happens in the States, but never did I think it possible that these folks might show up in our fair city. Lo and behold, I have filled my Walmart bingo card on both of my last two outings. If you like people watching, this is the place for you! Plus it’s free!
Speaking of free and Walmart, my real beef is how the parking lot at the Supercentre has evolved (or better yet, devolved) into St. Albert’s best subscribed campground. Perhaps it’s the evergreen trees across the street, or perhaps the mosquito breeding ponds of the open fields in back that are so alluring? It might also be the increasing amount of cars and other items for sale that make it look more like Kijiji Village than a parking lot but the number of RVs and camper trailers seems to be growing. I can only imagine what Jeff Foxworthy would have to say about this. Wait. I know exactly what he would say: “If your summer vacation includes two nights in a Walmart parking lot … you might be a redneck. “
A cursory online search will reveal that many Walmart locations allow RVs to spend the night on the lot. There is even an “ABCs of RV camping at Walmart” video where Chuck Woodbury, the editor of RVtravel.com, explains the merits and necessity of why folks may need to spend the night in the lot from time to time. He also outlines the five rules for RVers to observe so as to keep in the good graces of managers. It is a completely serious video which makes it worth a watch … if not a laugh. Be sure to load up with snacks first!
My idea of camping involves mountains or a lake or at least something other than asphalt underfoot. Alas, I am no RVer but most certainly would enjoy the outdoors life more than whiling away my time at Walmart.
These dog days of August have most of us starved for real entertainment. Thank goodness school starts up again in two weeks!
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer and member of the naval reserve.
