Many times on national and social media so many make the comments that people are not friendly, are impatient and are thinking only of themselves and are always impatient. Well that maybe the case in some areas of the country, but here in Hartselle, Alabama I think the opposite maybe true in many situations.

One that really stood out to me happened this weekend during the annual Depot Days Street Festival this past Saturday. The chamber was grilling rib-eye steak sandwiches and pork tenderloin sandwiches for the crowds. Since this was the first time we had taken on this challenge most of those working were novices to this process. Also the number of folks wanting to buy the sandwiches was in great numbers.

Perhaps due to the large number of folks in town, the smell of the meat on the grill or folks were just simply hungry, the cooks manning the grill could not keep up with the demand that was occurring.  There were several times during the day that we simply stopped taking orders so the folks that had already placed orders could get there food. Also after about 4 different orders my brain would lose track of what orders had been placed.

But one thing was apparent through the process, no one got seemed to get angry, all that I had contact with were very patient and most even seemed to understand we could not get caught up. Even when I gave out food to folks who had waited less time than others, even worked it out themselves in some cases. In fact some of the patrons even helped me remember who was next to receive their food.

Now some may think this was not a big deal but to someone who has worked in the public most of my adult life I was very impressed.  In today’s world when we always seem to be in such a hurry and our patience seems to wear very thin on many occasions it was great to deal with friendly patient people. Southern hospitality and manners were in abundance while the folks waited on their food. As apologies for waiting times were given no one seemed to get upset or even leave the line.

Maybe the old adage is true; the way to someone’s heart is through his or her stomach. For those who waited in line, you were the winner; the rib-eye sandwiches as well as the pork tenderloin were well worth waiting on. Thanks to all who waited in line and supported the 34^th Depot Days, it seemed all was successful and all who attended had a good day.