I love Minneapolis. People from all over the world have contributed to the popularity of watching cat videos on the internet. But Minneapolis pioneered a celebration of this trend by initiating the first ever International Internet Cat Video Festival. I marked it on my calendar immediately when I heard about the event. Latino and I and another friend journeyed to this festival not knowing what to expect, other than that it would be awesome. (My friend and I were more convinced than Latino). We should have gotten a clue about the popularity of the event when we were fighting traffic and barely made it on time. Crossing the street to the huge hill by the Walker Art Center, we looked up to view THOUSANDS of people crammed onto the hill behind the screen. I had never been to an outdoor event that was standing room only, but once we made our way to the top of the hill, we did not have a choice but to stand. We were shocked and delighted at the turnout.
We proceeded to watch clip after clip of the best cat videos, which were voted on in advance as the favorites by people all over the world. Admittedly, I had already seen most of the videos. But that did not stop me from enjoying every single minute and laughing along with thousands of people at the same time. It was such a unifying event. With people so divided on many political and social issues, it was such a pleasure to see everyone at such a lighthearted event, united by cats!
Latino was laughing along with us and everyone else. Every time I looked at him he was smiling and laughing. After the event, I asked if he liked it.
"Not really."
"Are you sure? You really seemed to be having a good time."
"It was okay."
I pretended to believe him.
This year, the International Internet Cat Video Festival will be moving to the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on August 28th. Tickets will ensure that everyone has a place to sit. See you there!!!
http://www.walkerart.org/calendar/2013/internet-cat-video-festival-2
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