It's Humane Nature

The collegiate atmosphere of Dixie’s Tavern will embrace its fraternal instincts for Wednesday’s philanthropic effort, the Humane Society of Charlotte’s “Cocktails for Critters.”

For a measly five bucks, the booze lovers and the boxer lovers will enjoy $2 Coors Lights, $3 Estrella wines, and a complimentary appetizer buffet.

Even my five year old critter, a lab mix, would pass on a cheap Coors Light (I trained him well), but the event is simply too beneficial for the homeless stray to pass up. Consider the organization’s commitment to spurning euthanasia, and how your donation goes a long way to an extra bowl of food or a low-cost vaccine to save a lil’ fella.

**********

Having spent a good part of the last two weeks in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area for the day job, one can’t help but observe the magnification of the distinct coed ratio very much in favor of the single male.

Perhaps the salty air and a little more sun enhances a girl who is likely either a UNCW student or a budding actress on a crappy WB drama, but gentlemen, it is a gold mine. Only Charleston reigns supreme.

Ladies, spare me the endless drivel of how hard it is to meet a man in Charlotte. This banking town is your mecca.

**********

Saturday’s celebration of St. Patrick’s Day pits the Carolinas’ two largest cities in a selection of festivals worthy of the Urban Crawl's hard-hitting, pound-for-pound scrutiny of fun:

Event

Charlotte Goes Green Festival v. St. Pat's in Five Points (Columbia, SC)

History

Tenth year v. Twenty-fourth, respectively

Did You Know?

1st year parade consisted of one Irish band with a bagpiper v. Inaugural rainout

Estimated Attendance

30,000 v. 30,000

Cost

Free v. $10

Musical Lineup

Red Herring Irish Band, Rince Na H'Eireann, Irongrass v. Tracy Lawrence, Saliva, Seven Mary Three

Distance

Future light rail ride away v. Oh, about a hundred miles

FAQ's

What is the price equivalent of a beer that costs an arm, and a leg? v. What is this lousy mustard-based barbecue sauce?

Seen

A gluttony of boot-cut jeans and striped shirts (see picture above) v. Beer guts that don't discriminate by gender

Heard

"Our striped shirts are gonna score us some chicks!" v. "I'm still living with my parents."

Having attended both festivals over the last decade, although satisfying the palate for both cultures alike, the nod goes to Columbia. Its battle-tested tenure offers both an advantage for the contemporary music fan that's worth the nominal entry fee. Budget-conscious attendees will appreciate the small business owner doling out cans of beer for a couple of singles, while munching on a similarly-priced gyro.

The short trip, as well as reasonable hotel pricing, is worth the quick overnight getaway. While paling in comparison to Savannah's mammoth effort, our friends to the south offer an excellent alternative to our annual downtown option, probably just a few years away from matching the bet.

My choice this year? The room's already booked.