Up in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago, we saw a contraption that might do well on the streets of Warren. On the other hand, it might not.
This contraption, one that I had not seen before, was called a "pedal pub." Like me, you might ask just what is a pedal pub?
As we came out of a restaurant that Saturday evening, we saw this thing coming slowly up the street. It was so far away we couldn't really see it, so we asked our friends we were with what it was. Their response was, "It is a pedal pub."
OK, what does a pedal pub do? As it slowly approached us, we could see several people on this thing with their feet rapidly going up and down. There were two rows of people down each side with an aisle down the middle. A person sat in in the middle in front steering, apparently the "designated driver."
In the middle aisle was a person, as we noted, who was the bartender serving beer to those on the outside. As they rapidly pedalled together, they powered this contraption and drank their beer. So it is called a "pedal pub."
Apparently, these things are popular in Minneapolis, where they find innovative ways to enjoy their beer. Our friends said they run them weekends until snow flies in the late fall.
Not being one who enjoys beer, I don't know how well a pedal pub would do on the streets of Warren or Niles. But it was the first time I had seen one, and those riding this one were obviously having a great time. Our friends tried to say that I should get on and ride, but I replied that it was a machine for a younger generation than I happen to be.
It was fun to watch this thing come up the street with all the festivities on board.
Our daughter lives in Minneapolis, so we were up for a short visit with her. A couple of blocks from where she lives was different activity on that beautiful Saturday morning. Called a "Doggie Festival," it was several streets lined with displays and booths relating to everything you can think of for dogs.
Since our daughter, Joy, has a small cocker spaniel, she wanted to walk over and see what she might learn from the displays. We found it interesting. Everything imaginable relating to dogs was on exhibit. From dog foods to medicines, different leashes, shampoos, veterinarians, photographers and more, they were all there.
Minneapolis must have a lot of dog lovers, because the festival was busy. Lots of people brought lots of dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors. And they were all well-trained, because they were all well-behaved.
Again, maybe a doggie festival would do well in Warren. I don't know. But in this Minneapolis neighborhood, lots of people were enjoying the morning.
In Trumbull County, we have considerable interest in hiking and biking trails such as the Lake to River Trail. In Minneapolis, these kinds of trails are also very popular. Our daughter lives near one of the many large lakes in the area. Around each of those lakes there are two trails, one for walkers and the other for bikers.
Since it was a nice weekend when we were there, both trails were very busy. They are black-topped, smooth and well-maintained. Bikers travel fast, so their trail was just one way to avoid problems. It was nearly three miles around the lake, so they had to ride all the way around to get back where they started.
Many different sizes and styles of bikes, some with small sulkies for little children, traveled these enjoyable trails. They were fun to watch.
We also had a chance to ride an historic street car and enjoy a great 9-11 commemorative band concert in a band shell right on the lake. A huge crowd turned out for the program.
Yes, we saw and enjoyed some things we might not find back in Trumbull County, but it was also nice to get back home. At the same time, maybe I will look for a "pedal pub" on the streets of Warren.
Parker is an independent writer for the Tribune.