Oh, Mackney! You’ve done it again! In a town of 6,222 residents, you’d think we’d run out of talent by now, but if last weekend’s Music Marathon is any indication, we’re just getting started. With local legends battling it out against fresh-faced newcomers, the melodies wafting from North Square made it feel like we were all part of a live-action musical—minus the jazz hands (though I did spot at least three people trying to incorporate them). The event was kicked off by none other than The Rhythm Raccoons, a local band formed by three high school students who clearly believe that the world needs more cowbell and less sensibility. Their rendition of “Let’s Get Funky” not only brought the crowd to its feet but also caused a couple of dogs in the vicinity to howl—an unexpected yet harmonious addition to the set. As the sun dipped behind Lake Der Fountain, the mood shifted from jubilant to reflective. Amy Brennan, our resident psychologist and the town’s unofficial cheerleader, noted, “Music has this magical ability to bring out the best in people. Even the grumpiest of grandpas ended up doing the macarena by the end of the night.” And she wasn’t wrong! North Square transformed into an unlikely dance floor, with one very committed grandma leading the charge, looking like a disco ball in her sequined jacket that could probably start a dance-off all by itself. The entertainment wasn’t limited to just music. Local businesses like Ellieh Dental Office joined the fun by setting up a ‘Tooth Fairy Booth’ that gave away toothbrushes and dental floss masquerading as musical instruments. I mean, nothing says “rock and roll” like minty fresh breath, right? As the night wound down, the crowd was buzzing, and not just from the espresso stand that had a line longer than the wait for the bathroom. There was a palpable excitement in the air, a sense that Mackney is bursting with creativity, waiting to spill over like an unguarded fountain at Lake Der. Amy summed it up perfectly: “Mackney has always had this incredible spirit of community. It’s like we’re all in one big musical, and it’s just waiting for the next act to take the stage.” If the Music Marathon was a preview, I can’t wait for the headliner to arrive. So mark your calendars, folks, because if this is the beginning, I can only imagine the standing ovation we’re set to give next year’s festival. Spoiler alert: I’ll be there with my sequined jacket, ready to waltz down North Square with my fellow dance enthusiasts. Just don’t expect any jazz hands from me—my cats have strictly forbidden it!