Man at a Parade

We’ve lived in the Columbus metro area going on 15 years now, first in Worthington and now in Upper Arlington.  Between these two communities we have transitioned from a focus on a Memorial Day parade to a 4^th of July parade in the respective communities.  

One thing that has not changed is the presence of this man of indeterminate ethnic origin and age.  He wanders the length of the parade with glasses perched on his head and a fixed smile, determined to have his picture taken by everyone he meets on the street.

The first time he approached me several years ago I had no idea what he wanted.  He does not talk, but instead points at your phone and then at himself.  After taking his photo he wants to see it and then moves on to find someone else to take his picture.

Today he got one from me again after I hadn’t seen him for at least a few years due to the pandemic.  After me he walked up to a group of teenaged girls who were somewhat amused if not bemused by his approach, but like everyone else they figured it out.

I wonder where he lives.  I wonder what his story is.  I wonder how he gets from community to community, parade to parade.  I wonder why he is so focussed on having his picture taken by complete strangers.  I wonder if I’ll ever see him again and his eccentric smile. 

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