Bubbles and hugs in Schenectady

hugs and bubbles outside proctors

Weeee!

We happened upon what was, for a few minutes at least, easily the happiest place in the Capital Region Wednesday afternoon in Schenectady.

Why? Bubbles and hugs.

hugs bubbles proctors

Following a free preview performance for kids of the Gazillion Bubble Show in Proctors' Robb Alley (Dawn says it was fun -- the full show is October 8), there was a bubble free-for-all on the sidewalk under the theater's marquee on State Street. There were bubble machines running, and the Proctors staff handed out tiny bottles of bubbles to the crowd.

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In case you had some doubt, kids + bubbles = smiles. (Unless you get too close to the bubble machine and they go in your eye. Then, kids + bubbles = crying.)

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As it happened, Wednesday was also free hug day at the Paul Mitchell salon school across the street. As a few of the students explained (after trying to hug us), they were "daymakers" today -- basically they were practicing the art of making people feel good.

hugs bubbles proctors peace sign

It turned into a pretty funny scene. Kids screaming because of bubbles. A throng of young women, all dressed in black, trying to give hugs to everyone.

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hugs bubbles proctors brittany and alex

Paul Mitchell students Brittany and Alex. They figured that their class had given thousands of hugs Wednesday.

hugs bubbles proctors cuddle mob

Reportedly there was guy somewhere in there. He was never. seen. again.

Comments

I wish I was in schenectady on Wednesday... I can't think of a better way to "never be heard from again."

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