Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

These days a great many people have already left Pennsic before the final night. I've told several people that they really ought to stay for the boat burning ceremony if for nothing else. The more so if they have someone to remember.

While the boat honours Garwig's wife first, but others are invited to write names on pieces of paper to be burned in the boat as well. This year, Cheryl's name will be on one of those slips of paper rolled up and tucked into the hold of the boat, and her name will be added to the others I call out during the ceremony.

"an eerie and beautiful experience"

For the benefit of anyone reading this who has not witnessed it: this is an understatement. The watchers are gathered all the way around the lake, not just near where the boat is launched, and there's something about knowing all those unseen people in the distance are a part of the solemnity of the event ... about hearing the shouts from across the lake as well as nearby.