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The Marshmallow Drop at Catalpa Oaks

Many of you saw my post about the Marshmallow Drop at Catalpa Oaks today.  It was a great event and very well organized by the staff and volunteers of Oakland County Parks and Rec.

If you plan to participate, I suggest getting there early as the parking is a challenge.  We ended up parking about 1/3 of a mile away from the park and walking in.

Upon arrival we were separated into groups according to age.  While we waited for the event to begin the MC announced that each child should only take one marshmallow. The youngest children got to go first.  The helicopter drove by and released 15,000 marshmallows onto the field, then the children were released onto the field.  The kids in the front made a mad dash to scoop up the marshmallows, while the children in the back were left, well with nothing!!!

We walked by many children with ten, twenty even more than thirty marshmallows in their baskets and bags while Rosa and I sadly walked around hoping to find one.  Yes my dear with the three children and plenty of marshmallows for a crew, that was me admonishing you in a passive aggressive way, “I hope we can find JUST ONE marshmallow, no really I HOPE WE FIND JUST ONE.” What are you going to do with more than one dirty marshmallow anyway?  As a parent, did you think about the other children when you allowed your child to take twenty?  Think about what kind of values you are teaching your children.  I know they said just one marshmallow over the loud speaker a few times, but that rule doesn’t apply to us.  I would like to extend a personal THANK YOU!  Today, my daughter learned that people are selfish.

One of the volunteers had saved some of the marshmallows and was throwing them out to those of us that hadn’t found one yet.  But here is the thing, we went there to find a marshmallow on the ground, (as silly as that may be) to hunt for one, not to have one handed to us by a volunteer.  It isn’t the same.  And, he ran out and many left with no marshmallow, granted they still got a prize, but think about it, that isn’t what we came there for.

So before you go all crazy one me and say, well I should have gotten there earlier, or I should have pushed my way to the front, or I should have been faster let me say we were being safe!!!  We went at a safe pace, didn’t push anyone out of the way or try to weave in and out of the people in front of us so we could get a marshmallow.  Taking the competition out of the event makes it safer for everyone.  No one is fighting over a marshmallow because you only need one, no one is getting trampled or stepped on.  I am amazed that with so many people there that no one got hurt.  But can you imagine if it was a competition?  Injury or death is a real possibility, especially with young children.

The lines moved quickly for prize redemption.  We turned in our marshmallow for a bag with a Rice Krispie Treat, a kazoo, Fruit Snacks, a few Hershey Kisses and best of a Water Park Pass. 

Finally, I would like to say that the event was a great one with some wonderful people hosting it.  I love the whole concept and it would work if people would be a little more compassionate.

A few suggestions for future events if you are listening:)
– do not allow children to bring bags and/or baskets
– if volunteers spot children with more than plenty marshmallows they should ask them to return the excess so other children can have a chance to find them
– I know you said it a million times that you just need one marshmallow, but maybe you could explain why.
– Great work on the organization, I loved how the groups were separated so neatly, that volunteers were so helpful and cheery and everything moved quickly.
– have volunteers hold back some marshmallows for those that are having difficulty.

Were you there?  How did you think the event went?

Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.