Virgin Fest 2008: If the shoe fits, why bother?
The idea of walking around the infield of Pimlico sans shoes is a daunting proposition. Sandals are also risky, as the ratio of bare-foot to coverage is minimal. The horses that race wear special shoes. I even have a pair of sneakers that I've designated my "infield shoes" for the annual Preakness.
But that hasn't stopped Festival goers from abandoning their foot wear in the name of comfort.
"The grass feels good," said Gabrielle O'Daniell, 17, from Baltimore. Along with her friend, Malcolm Rio, 18, they didn't seem to concerned about the safety risks that may present themselves.
"All the alcohol is in plastic cups," Rio said, guessing that glass probably wouldn't be an issue.
A different couple of guys across the infield worshiped at the same altar: "There's no glass, it's pretty clean," said Colin Marshall, 17, of Baldwin who was with his friend Desmond Davis, 17, from Phoenix.
But they didn't abandon all hope for complete foot freedom, admitting that they had left their shoes by their blanket, the location of which was indicated with a casual arm wave in the distance by Davis.
If anything, the lack of shoes (and shirts) contributes to the festival atmosphere, according to Marshall.
"I just feel like being free," he said.
And brave, apparently.
