Holding a drink at the square

[bopat]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.

[Bill14564]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.

What have you noticed about the size of the crowd and the amount of available seating?

[bopat]

What have you noticed about the size of the crowd and the amount of available seating?

The more sizable the crowd the less available seating. Both north and south seem to be the same.
And that’s the way it is.

[Two Bills]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:

[mraines]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.
I don't go down south, but as someone who loves to dance, I notice it more when the snowbirds are here. Locals don't tend to do that. At least not up this end. There are more newbies down south. Don't know why you would want to just stand on the dance floor.

[mraines]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.

[Bill14564]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.

Covered seating for 200, infrastructure for the sound system, efficient use of space for the beer huts and coolers - seems like a good idea to me.

[asianthree]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.

So you really only have 3 squares, SS, LSL, and Brownwood. Edna’s and Sawgrass are venues.

So SS dances, then actively drinks
LSL sort of dances, and Brownwood which I am guessing to the furthest south you speak of is no dancing but holds a glass well, but may or may not drink.

This sounds like one should apply for a grant, or possibly a unique thesis study

[Pugchief]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.

Covered seating for 200, infrastructure for the sound system, efficient use of space for the beer huts and coolers - seems like a good idea to me.

While stairs/bleachers may not be optimal for geezers, the lack of seating at LSL and SS makes the concept brilliant. The folks with better knees can climb the stairs, leaving more room below for the ones that can't. Win-win.

IMO the worst design is Sawgrass: The tables leave very little room for chairs (not provided; bring your own). The parking there is also a challenge.

[Stu from NYC]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.

I think it was a great idea. Who wants to sit in the sun. More room for the people who come

[Marathon Man]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.

Oops. Wish you hadn't said that??

[Stu from NYC]

Oops. Wish you hadn't said that??

My nominee for foolish post of the year:BigApplause:

[Randall55]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.If that bewilders or entertains you, maybe you should head to Eastport when complete. The rock climbing wall seems to be an interesting addition for senior citizens.

[CarlR33]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.Do they seem to be happy? Case closed, LOL

[Stu from NYC]

If that bewilders or entertains you, maybe you should head to Eastport when complete. The rock climbing wall seems to be an interesting addition for senior citizens.

Wonder how much use it will get? You are strapped on and should not get hurt but looking down not sure my heart will appreciate me being so high up.

[JMintzer]

I think it was a great idea. Who wants to sit in the sun. More room for the people who come

Agreed. If it's a band I want to watch/listen to, I head right for the bleachers...

Or, I grab one of the many benches on the outskirts of the square, listen to the music and people watch...

[asianthree]

Wonder how much use it will get? You are strapped on and should not get hurt but looking down not sure my heart will appreciate me being so high up.

We used the wall at our gym once a week. It requires quick decisions on route best taken. Sometimes you made decisions that left you stranded, or reach was too far to advance, causing you to swing away. Once you reach the top felt accomplishment, decisions on was there a better route, then catapult down and start again.

Have fear of heights, but walls aren’t that high so no worries. My guess is they will have classes to learn proper climb, and clubs will form blocking out times.

Its really not that hard, then again employees were on the ropes, and you trusted them.

[spinner1001]

My nominee for foolish post of the year:BigApplause:

That post and the one to get rid of all alligators to protect senior citizens.

[Normal]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:

The “people” in the North are less fit?

[karostay]

:1rotfl::1rotfl:Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:

[frayedends]

I'm confused by this thread. I only skimmed a lot of posts. But I am not a dancer, but I like to stand and watch a band if I like them. I hold my drink and drink it. I can stand and drink and I can sit and drink. I can do both and hold a cup without taking a sip (usually between sips).

[Topspinmo]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.

Maybe they can’t dance anymore or never could and just like listen to music?

[C. C. Rider]

I'm confused by this thread. I only skimmed a lot of posts. But I am not a dancer, but I like to stand and watch a band if I like them. I hold my drink and drink it. I can stand and drink and I can sit and drink. I can do both and hold a cup without taking a sip (usually between sips).

The point that you seem to be missing, or perhaps deliberately ignoring, is that by just STANDING on the dance floor, you are taking up space that should be reserved for those who want to DANCE.

I was at Brownwood a while back and noticed the same thing. My wife and I like to dance, but there wasn't enough room to dance on the dance floor for all the people just standing there with a drink in their hand and gawking at the band. You would think they had never seen a live band before.

If you don't intend to dance, then why are you taking up space on the dance floor? Park your butt in the bleachers or in one of the chairs provided in front of the bleachers and leave the dance floor for the dancers.

[frayedends]

The point that you seem to be missing, or perhaps deliberately ignoring, is that by just STANDING on the dance floor, you are taking up space that should be reserved for those who want to DANCE.

I was at Brownwood a while back and noticed the same thing. My wife and I like to dance, but there wasn't enough room to dance on the dance floor for all the people just standing there with a drink in their hand and gawking at the band. You would think they had never seen a live band before.

If you don't intend to dance, then why are you taking up space on the dance floor? Park your butt in the bleachers or in one of the chairs provided in front of the bleachers and leave the dance floor for the dancers.

I have every right to stand there and watch a band as someone that chooses to dance. Just because you move doesn't give you more right to be in a certain area. Jeez, entitled much? Plus I've seen you folks dancing and it ain't pretty. Maybe you should plant your asses in the bleachers.

[Topspinmo]

The “people” in the North are less fit?

But southerners whine a LOT:girlneener:

[Rwirish]

It’s amazing people can stand and drink. I would to see them stand and not drink.

[Kelevision]

As someone who’s never been to a square to dance or watch the band my question is why would anyone prefer standing on the dance floor vs sitting in a seat? The seat seems way more comfortable. I’m genuinely curious why anyone would prefer standing and holding a drink in your hand vs sitting and putting the drink down?

[mikeycereal]

I like to stand on the dance floor with a drink or dance in the bleachers.

:beer3: :pepper2: :duck:

[Nana2Teddy]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.
We love the bleachers! We sit at the top and people/band watch while we enjoy a drink. Great view! Plus the huge fans feel great. We have no trouble climbing the stairs at 70, even with some arthritis because they aren’t very high.

[mpcolonel]

Wonder how much use it will get? You are strapped on and should not get hurt but looking down not sure my heart will appreciate me being so high up.
I’m sure everybody will have all their little grandchildren at the rock wall and running loose like wild Indians on the dance floor cause they’re so cute.

[mpcolonel]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:

If we northerner are so crude maybe you refined southerners should stay down there and not come up and clog up our restaurants and golf courses.

[Jazzman]

This post is like a Seinfeld episode. A post about nothing.

[DrHitch]

...bright idea it was to put bleachers at Brownwood.

This topic has been argued pro/con many times.

A) better to actually see/watch the band?

B) only so much limited space so "go vertical"?

C) part of the western theme?

So, personally I see many people sitting on sidewalks outside the bleachers.. you can still hear the music.

Wonder what will be the best watching spots in Eastport?

Have the line dancers already stalked out their area? Haha

[Ashley from UK]

I don't go down south, but as someone who loves to dance, I notice it more when the snowbirds are here. Locals don't tend to do that. At least not up this end. There are more newbies down south. Don't know why you would want to just stand on the dance floor.

Probably because Southerners are younger and a lot of the music played is from our parents generation.

I grew up with Metal, Eminem, Fifty Cent, Snoop Dogc Chemical Brothers, Raves and hypnotic dance/trance music… and yet I am still of retirement age. Old 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and even early 80’s just doesn’t move me all too old…. ‘ give me a drink in my hand…..’

[bdeminico]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:
Hey Two Bills, come up North and visit, and talk like that. I'm sure some of my 50 and 60 year old friends would love to meet you. Maybe you can buy us a few beers and hold them for us while we use a straw to drink from cuz we're too old. JA

[Marathon Man]

If we northerner are so crude maybe you refined southerners should stay down there and not come up and clog up our restaurants and golf courses.

Oooo. Someone's button got pushed.

[jimdecastro]

If that bewilders or entertains you, maybe you should head to Eastport when complete. The rock climbing wall seems to be an interesting addition for senior citizens.

Talk about a ridiculous amenity IMHO. But not as bad as the Astronomy Park that closes at dusk.

[maistocars]

I also wonder whose bright idea it was to put bleachers in an area of senior citizens such as they have at Brownwood.
People get around here quite well - this is an active adult community and the bleachers are always full - seems like a great idea to me.

[Bwanajim]

And only one restaurant McGrady’s! Whoever designed Sawgrass wasn’t very bright

[Bill14564]

And only one restaurant McGrady’s! Whoever designed Sawgrass wasn’t very bright

Yeah, never going to go far making decisions like that. Will probably be out of business soon.

[Michiganders]

I don't go down south, but as someone who loves to dance, I notice it more when the snowbirds are here. Locals don't tend to do that. At least not up this end. There are more newbies down south. Don't know why you would want to just stand on the dance floor.

We have noticed the crowds standing close to bandstand, holding a drink going on for quite a while. As people who like to dance & watch others dancing & listen to band, don't appreciate the crowds blocking everything on the dance floor. Its like they think they are in their early twenties going to see a famous rock group from their past. This practice is not just the younger generation either. I just don't get it.

[TheWarriors]

What it comes down to is too many people at the same place at one time. Not enough seats and not enough dance floor. And line dancing isn’t dancing and takes up too much room. And no man should ever line dance ������

[Normal]

And only one restaurant McGrady’s! Whoever designed Sawgrass wasn’t very bright

Aren’t there 4 restaurants there? We like the pizza.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Plus I've seen you folks dancing and it ain't pretty.

I will say this..... Before we moved here we knew of 3-4 songs that were "line dancing" songs. It seems every song is now and its the same moves over and over. Worse yet, these dancers always take up the space right in front of the band and commandeer space all around them as they "dance" and force others to move so they don't collide.

If these are the "dancers" that are being mentioned, then more folks standing listening to the band are welcome......

[Two Bills]

Oooo. Someone's button got pushed.

Ex-Snowdrop. :ohdear:

[Normal]

Probably the best atmosphere for dining is in the south. Marshbend’s Edna’s and Fenney Grill are untouched in shade, atmosphere and outside Florida beauty. I guess I do like Lopez on occasion too.

[Joe Mack]

Delete

[CybrSage]

If that bewilders or entertains you, maybe you should head to Eastport when complete. The rock climbing wall seems to be an interesting addition for senior citizens.

I am looking forward to it. I love rock climbing walls; I always do them on cruise ships.

[CybrSage]

As someone who’s never been to a square to dance or watch the band my question is why would anyone prefer standing on the dance floor vs sitting in a seat? The seat seems way more comfortable. I’m genuinely curious why anyone would prefer standing and holding a drink in your hand vs sitting and putting the drink down?

Onr person already said why. Said that ensuring others cannot have room to dance on a dance floor is his right.

He never learned that just because you have a right to do something does not make it right to do it.

[HORNET]

Think that they are cool!

[frayedends]

I will say this..... Before we moved here we knew of 3-4 songs that were "line dancing" songs. It seems every song is now and its the same moves over and over. Worse yet, these dancers always take up the space right in front of the band and commandeer space all around them as they "dance" and force others to move so they don't collide.

If these are the "dancers" that are being mentioned, then more folks standing listening to the band are welcome......

I've seen that. It appears to me it's a line dance club/lessons type thing and when I see them at Brownwood they take up half the dance floor. As you said, same moves over and over, just different speed depending on the song. The leader at the front gets them started at each song. It's a bit odd.

[frayedends]

Onr person already said why. Said that ensuring others cannot have room to dance on a dance floor is his right.

He never learned that just because you have a right to do something does not make it right to do it.

If there is a band playing that I want to get close to and watch then it is certainly fine for me to stand in a good spot to watch. Now, I am a courteous person and I would try to make room for people dancing. I'm certainly not out to hinder anyone's good time. But if I get there first and take a spot that I like, I don't think any dancer coming along has a right to my space. If I'm not dancing I'm taking up less space than a dancer.

I will say, however, that the only times I've ever stood there with a drink was when it was crowded. I've yet to see a band worth standing and trying to get a good spot on the floor. So I agree that in most cases I'd be seated in the chairs provided. But consider, if the band is good and I want to see them, I won't be able to see over the dancers from a floor level chair, only from the bleachers (which aren't super comfortable for a long time).

Now, when Metallica hits their 80s and plays at the square I will be standing up front. Mosh pit area. LOL

[psjordan]

For the OP who asked why folks stand up front - as a fledgling musician, I do occasionally stand near the front of the band (north or south, with a drink in my hand of all things) to watch chord work on guitar, or how a guitar is set up to switch pickups, etc. I did not realize I was bothering anyone behind me, as not a single glance or tap on the shoulder - much less a conflict - has ever arisen. Granted I won't park there for an hour, but I will try and catch what is being played for several songs if the guitar player and song combination appeals to me.

I'd never boil it down to "rights on the de facto dance floor", I just feel it's appropriate for any and all to enjoy the bands as they see fit. Musician-watchers, standers, dancers, line dances, funky-maniacal-one-off dancers in the corner - none of it bothers me at all. If there is no room to stand up front and catch the licks, I don't even think twice about it. I just enjoy it from a distance.

I figure I'm very fortunate to be here and I can have fun and be content in a wide variety of circumstances. I can enjoy bands seven nights a week if I want to (I don't). I hope everyone gets to enjoy things in their own ways while here.

[Jeremy#1]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:
Seriously!?!? Let’s not go there.

[Michael 61]

I am looking forward to it. I love rock climbing walls; I always do them on cruise ships.

Same here - I think it’s awesome that we’re getting a rock climbing wall.

[Bogie Shooter]

Delete

Can you be more specific, I would have several suggestions.:1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

Same here - I think it’s awesome that we’re getting a rock climbing wall.

Be interesting to see how many of us use it. My grandkids will enjoy it if allowed

[Justputt]

I can only speak about Brownwood and Sawgrass since they are the only two venues I go to. Brownwood is not a small square, and a large area in front of the bleachers is taken up by chairs, HOWEVER, that leaves a pretty large area for everyone to dance or stand. I don't ever see a space issue except for the larger groups trying to line dance and they frequently take up much more space than someone doing the Hitchhiker, Locomotion, Pony, etc. Sawgrass on the other hand has very little dance space once the line dance crowd steps in. I don't generally stand anywhere close only because I already have hearing aids and the music is often above safe levels (IMO). Bottom line, the squares are for everyone's enjoyment, however you find it, standing or dancing, and unless you're trying to dance some larger pattern dance, line dance, swing, etc., there's room enough.

[Michael 61]

Be interesting to see how many of us use it. My grandkids will enjoy it if allowed

Oh, I’m definitely up for it!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Shows how clever people in south are.
Northern villagers can either stand (in some cases) or hold a drink, (probably need both hands as well) very rarely can they manage both!

Cheers :beer3:

Or maybe it shows that the folks in the south are really just a bunch of lushes who ain't got no rhythm :)

[jimjamuser]

I noticed the farther south I go, the more people in the dance area standing up, not dancing, but holding a drink. Maybe sipping, but mostly holding. I wonder if they notice the farther north they go, people are dancing. If they're drinking, they're sitting or standing elsewhere, not on the dance area. But actively drinking.

I don't mean it in a negative or positive way, just an observation.
Maybe the younger the group, the more reluctant they are to participate in an activity. One problem you often hear about young 20 - somethings is that they ALWAYS have their heads in their cell phones.

[jimjamuser]

I have every right to stand there and watch a band as someone that chooses to dance. Just because you move doesn't give you more right to be in a certain area. Jeez, entitled much? Plus I've seen you folks dancing and it ain't pretty. Maybe you should plant your asses in the bleachers.
Non-pretty dancing is better than not dancing. Burns more calories. After a few drinks, everyone THINKS that they are a great dancer.

[jimjamuser]

As someone who’s never been to a square to dance or watch the band my question is why would anyone prefer standing on the dance floor vs sitting in a seat? The seat seems way more comfortable. I’m genuinely curious why anyone would prefer standing and holding a drink in your hand vs sitting and putting the drink down?
Answer.......standing with a drink makes you look "cool" as you listen to the band. Everyone wants to be......."cool".

[jimjamuser]

What it comes down to is too many people at the same place at one time. Not enough seats and not enough dance floor. And line dancing isn’t dancing and takes up too much room. And no man should ever line dance ������
REAL MEN don't line dance.

[C. C. Rider]

REAL MEN don't line dance.

There are other types of dancing that men (and women) do besides line dancing, but ALL of them are more difficult to do if the dance area is crowded with people just standing there taking up dancing space.

.

[Two Bills]

Dancers take up far too much room.
Standing still with a beer or two is a more economical and greater use of available space.
Plus, it is sometimes very hard to distinguish if some are actually/allegedly dancing, or having an Epileptic Fit.
Line dancing was started by women 'holding on' whilst queuing to use the bathroom.

Cheers! :beer3:

[frayedends]

There are other types of dancing that men (and women) do besides line dancing, but ALL of them are more difficult to do if the dance area is crowded with people just standing there taking up dancing space.

.

At least the people standing there are watching the band. Dancers are watching each other. They can go dance anywhere in the square that they hear the music without taking up the space where those of us that want to watch the band could be.

I'm being facetious of course. But my point is that space is for everyone that wants to enjoy the band. Unless of course it is designated as dance floor only. I haven't seen the signs.