Once a year in the fall for the past 36 years, I have joined a group of Northsiders who turn downtown Jackson into their frisbee playground.
I call it "free form Jackson downtown frisbee golf." It's much more informal than regular frisbee golf, which involves a whole set of frisbees like a set of golf clubs. We only use one classic 175 gram frisbee.
Over the years we have designed a seven-mile course of 50 or so "holes." Our signature hole is from the top of the south steps at the Capitol building. Whoever rings the liberty bell down below in the fewest throws wins. About half the holes we make up in the fly. "The red sign at the end of the street."
The goal of each hole is to hit the target in the fewest throws. Some holes are par one. Some are longer par fives. You have to win a hole outright. Otherwise, it's a push. Whoever wins the most holes on the "nine" holes, wins the nine holes. All nine-hole winners play a sudden death hole playoff for the grand title. This year, as usual, Shane Kellum, with his long arms, won. Jay Baker, also with long arms, came in second. Long arms are definitely an asset in free form frisbee golf.
We start in the parking lot of Fertile Ground and work our way south, covering pretty much the entire downtown area. It's a seven-mile course, taking in all the major downtown buildings, parks and structures. Each year there are unusual things to see and experience, which is part of the fun.
Nobody really knows what to make of these old guys downtown. A few years ago, when the Capitol Police first got started, they followed us around with various police cars and radio communications, like we were a dangerous invading force. I think they've gotten used to us.
Over 36 years, we have accumulated some amazing stories of weird events and strange encounters. It's always loads of fun and good exercise. This year's group was me (Wyatt Emmerich), Jeff Good, Scott Carlton, Peter Corson, Shane Kellum, Jay Baker and Ray Harrigill. Over the years, dozens of Northsiders have participated.
It's amazing how empty downtown is on the weekends. Once we had a guy from San Francisco participate. After about 30 minutes, he asked us, "Where is everybody?" Jay Cooke, who missed this year for the first time in 36 years, peppers the afternoon with various short historical lectures on the various buildings.
We make a pit stop at Martin's, which is always packed on Sunday afternoon. I guess that's where everybody is. At Martin's drinking and watching football.
We end with beer and pizza at Fertile Ground. After it's over you really feel connected to downtown in a unique and personal way. It rounds out your Jackson experience. Great fellowship. Lots of jokes. Good exercise. Fun competition. Visual and cultural stimulation. Just and all round fun afternoon.
