Festival of Journeys - Ground Level
The sun is just barely peeking up on the horizon far below when workers and vendors start to converge on the Street of Flowers and Firmament, also known as the Spine of Anthegenia and simply 'Main Street', the widest, longest and most central street of the city. Naturally the Spine has been chosen as the site of the parade that would be one of the highlights of the Festival of Journeys.
In preparation for the festival, the entire street has been cut off from regular traffic from swift riders and gliding chariots. Ribbon streamers of yellow (for the Maiden of Journeys) and sky blue (for Vanileth) flutter from banisters and street signs, many affixed with feathers and talismans pleasing to the Maiden and god so that they trail like miniature kites. All along the main street, lamp-posts bear rectangular yellow, blue and white banners printed with clockwork wings framing a stylized depiction of the Palace of the Founders, and the ornate words Festival of Journeys 3516 beneath it.
Only a few refreshment stands or market vendors are open just yet, and the myriad floats and flying machines to participate in the parade and demonstrations are still in their hangars and garages, awaiting final preparations. Here and there wander kite-bearers and performers in bright costume, pilots or mechanics in uniform or jumpsuit, merchants looking to beat their rivals in taking up the best street locations, and of course festival enthusiasts who just can't wait for dawn!
Bakeries and tea shops happily open an hour or even two earlier to take advantage of the extra business, so there are plenty of places to sit, chat and wait, or try to get a peek at some of the floats or machines before they deploy...
OOC: Have a last minute float idea? I'd be willing to let you write one up, either as a NPC, or just a submission to me in PM. I will be incorporating several ideas given to Sophia at the Garden, either way. :)
