Story-A-Day #239: Crabapple Fight

CRABAPPLE FIGHT

1986: Thibeault Terrace, North Bay, Ontario.

The kids of the neighborhood had gathered together for an epic annual battle.

It was a hot day in July and we had been preparing for months in order to capitalize on this day.

Craig Landry, Stephen Mimee, Paul Chayer, Aimee Brunette, Michael Messenger, Sean Pearson - the role call went on as we convened under the quiet maple canopy of the front yard of 397 Leonard Street.

A quick scan of the gathered crowd showed an equal blend of excited smiles, and nervous apprehension.

In today's society we would be considered Tweens, but in those days, we were practically adults, warriors ready to take to the battlefield.

The weapons were standard issue: as many fresh, firm crabapples as would fit into your pockets.

The communal harvest of weaponry was the rare time where smiles, jokes, and playful challenges of the days event were shared. After the harvest came bloodlust.

Every year, the cranberry fight stood as the highlight of the long summer months, and as with all games of skill, to the victor went the spoils.

Some year's the chief prize was bragging rights to victory amongst your peers for the duration of the year. Other years, the prizes were far more substantial.

This particular year's pot was immense. I clung hesitantly to my Evil Horde Slime Pit players, a favorite amongst my fellow He-Man collectors, before finally throwing it onto the heap of spoils.

A wave if regret washed over me and I nearly scooped him back up and ran off into the sunset, but a few other trinkets in that shiny plastic mound had caught my eleven-year-old eye.

The Boba Fett figure with firing missile was long prized, as was the collection of Dukes of Hazzard diecast metal cars and the handful of G.I. Joe rarities. Oh to get my hands on either of those treasures.

With a resolved sigh, I joined the throng and prepared for the initiation of the battle. The prize was far too great to pass upon this year.

I was in it to the end and with any luck, the prize would be mine.

Such wad the thrill if the cranberry fight.

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