Long Live the Great Zucchini!

I opened up today's paper to find the "extraordinary, fantabulous, mystifying, oddly disturbing and strangely inspiring story" of the Great Zucchini on the cover of the Washington Post Magazine. He's apparently the most sought after entertainer for the DC-area's preschool set.

I had never heard of him.

I guess my kids just haven't been part of the happenin' party scene the past few years. I'm not complaining (sorry, no matter how good he is, I just can't see plunking down $300 for my 4-year old's birthday party), but as the stay-at-home dad of a preschooler I was intrigued. So, after fixing my wife and kids some breakfast, I locked myself in the bathroom (well, where do you do your reading?) and found some quiet time to read the article.

Wow! First, let me just say I enjoy Gene Weingarten's writing. He normally writes a short, comedic column for the magazine that's a must-read each Sunday. However, as the Zucchini article demonstrates, not only is he funny, but he really knows how to tell a story. And what a story it is this time! Maybe its just me, but I was fascinated by the tale of the guy with the diaper on his head and make believe banana-phone in his ear. It's not as easy as it seems to reach and keep the attention of kids that age.

I hope that angel stays on his shoulder and it all works out for him; that he continues his kid-pleasing exploits for years to come. Great Zucchini, I wish you all the best! But I'm still not going to pay $300 for my kid's party....

Read the article if you get a chance and let me know what you think.