[Davonu]

Have any of you seen the guy, usually at Spanish Springs, that carries around a baton and dances solo to the music? I don't want to sound too harsh here, but personally I'm annoyed by some of his "act". He may have some sort of issue that deserves tolerance, but part of his routine is to regularly let out screams during the music.

I can understand that the powers-that-be would be cautious to intervene regarding most of his behaviour, but the screams in my opinion cross the line. They are so loud and blood curdling that they are a distraction to the music and, especially if nearby and unanticipated, they are startling and even a bit scary.

Maybe everybody but me thinks it's cute. Again, part of me has sympathy for the gentleman. His dancing alone would likely be just another curiosity at the square. But I simply don't think the extreme part of his antics...the screaming...should be tolerated.

Okay. I've vented.

[billlaur]

Dont go there if you get annoyed

[Topspinmo]

Lots of (c—-/drunks) characters at the squares, it’s magnet. Some even make headlines in online tabloid.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

He's not a drunk. We call him "backpack man." He's definitely exuberant, I think that's the word I'd use. A little eccentric, but he's actually a very nice man, has a joy of life you don't see much. And yeah sometimes he'll get a little over-enthused with certain songs and do the "one two three!" loud enough to be heard on the other side of the square. The baton was given to him by a fan. The largest thing in his backpack is a gallon of water, which he pours into a cup and drinks from while he's there.

He comes almost every night, and says that his dancing is how he keeps fit (and it you'd actually get a look at him - he's very fit).

Most people just assume he's a little crazy and avoid him but some folks actually take a few moments out of their lives to talk to him and learn better.

[stanley]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

He's not a drunk. We call him "backpack man." He's definitely exuberant, I think that's the word I'd use. A little eccentric, but he's actually a very nice man, has a joy of life you don't see much. And yeah sometimes he'll get a little over-enthused with certain songs and do the "one two three!" loud enough to be heard on the other side of the square. The baton was given to him by a fan. The largest thing in his backpack is a gallon of water, which he pours into a cup and drinks from while he's there.

He comes almost every night, and says that his dancing is how he keeps fit (and it you'd actually get a look at him - he's very fit).

Most people just assume he's a little crazy and avoid him but some folks actually take a few moments out of their lives to talk to him and learn better.

Yep a nice guy if you get to know him. He has a way with the ladies also believe it or not.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by stanley

Yep a nice guy if you get to know him. He has a way with the ladies also believe it or not.

How about that - Backpack man manages to get two people who are diametrically opposed to each other in every other way, to agree on something.

Y'all who have a problem with Backpack Man are sad. This guy, for all his hollers and hoots, is a man who wants to spread love. If you can't accept it, don't come to the square.

[Davonu]

Again, I will say just one more time and then leave this thread alone…

I have no problem with the gentleman…that’s what I called him in my op…except for the screaming. The screaming is not cute in any way.

Those of you who condescendingly advise to simply not go the square are far more annoying that he is.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

He's not a drunk. We call him "backpack man." He's definitely exuberant, I think that's the word I'd use. A little eccentric, but he's actually a very nice man, has a joy of life you don't see much. And yeah sometimes he'll get a little over-enthused with certain songs and do the "one two three!" loud enough to be heard on the other side of the square. The baton was given to him by a fan. The largest thing in his backpack is a gallon of water, which he pours into a cup and drinks from while he's there.

He comes almost every night, and says that his dancing is how he keeps fit (and it you'd actually get a look at him - he's very fit).


Most people just assume he's a little crazy and avoid him but some folks actually take a few moments out of their lives to talk to him and learn better.

My opinion of squares in general, as long s he don’t make headline news not in my generalization category.

[jswirs]

Doesn't bother me at all, in fact, I enjoy his antics, screaming included. Live & let live brother.

[collegeref]

Mark is a great guy. And you can keep an eye on him 😂.
You can’t keep an eye on the murderers that come to Spanish Springs kill our youth
and get away with it. I would bet that if Mark was there that night that Brice and Metcalfe murdered Austin Stevens the later would be alive today. Don’t go.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Who are these powers to be that you refer to? You? Have you heard the word tolerance. Try it. I like watching him and he has obviously made many friends because I see them talking with him. How many friends have you made down at the square.

[Kgcetm]

Yes. I’ve seen him. If you find him offensive, don’t go. We have three squares and Edna’s from which to choose.

[Professor]

We avoid SS most of the time because of this guy. We believe he has some mental health issues, having regular exposure to such things in our daily life. If he crosses the line someday and someone gets hurt when he goes off the rails, everyone will wonder why someone didn't help this individual. Mental health has long been shuttered to a back closet in this country...something to be whispered about but not discussed in the open. Time to provide the funds needed to properly care for those with mental illness rather than just letting them roam the streets.

[hrenner]

We call him "the Conductor".
No matter what else you think, it's wonderful that villagers feel free enough to express their emotions. So much joy expressed every night

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by Professor

We avoid SS most of the time because of this guy. We believe he has some mental health issues, having regular exposure to such things in our daily life. If he crosses the line someday and someone gets hurt when he goes off the rails, everyone will wonder why someone didn't help this individual. Mental health has long been shuttered to a back closet in this country...something to be whispered about but not discussed in the open. Time to provide the funds needed to properly care for those with
mental illness rather than just letting them roam the streets.

Seriously? Because hes eccentric you feel hes mentally ill? Very smart that you avoid SS because of him. If he annoys or scares you, then stay away. Take the OP with you