Though many people considered it ridiculous to hold a beachside concert event at Grand Isle when a tropical storm was headed that way last weekend, it turned out to be a big success.
Tropical Storm Bonnie dissipated somewhat after it crossed the Florida peninsula and went into the Gulf of Mexico down to about 30 mph winds when it hit the Louisiana coast. That was some four hours after the music ended and the musicians had already packed their instruments.
During the performances, the sun was shining, there was hardly any rain and the 10,000 people who attended were in high spirits.
High spirits because Grand Isle was alive.
The Island Aid Festival, which the concert was called, is now expected to be an annual event. It will add to the social life on our barrier island.
The sea and winds were calm as though they were listening to the music. Few people left the island after the concerts because of Bonnie. In fact it made most people feel good staying there as a tropical storm or depression approached
Many people, when they think of storms, think of evacuation.
In this case, many were evacuating to Grand Isle where the storm was expected to pass.
A hurricane need not be considered the end of the world. In this case, it was good to learn that it need not even disrupt the regular routine of things if taken in stride with the necessary precautions that are well publicized during hurricane season.
Bonnie, in many respects, was a blessing for Grand Isle.
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