“There must be some way out of here” said the joker to the thief 
“There’s too much confusion”, I can’t get no relief 
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth 
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth. 

“No reason to get excited”, the thief he kindly spoke 
“There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke 
But you and I, we’ve been through that, and this is not our fate 
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late”. 

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view 
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too. 

Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl 
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.

-All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan)

Once a year Twin Citians are invited to climb to the top of the “watchtower” Bob Dylan refers to in his famous tune, also known as the Witch’s Hat water tower. From this vantage point, you can see both downtown skylines, neighborhoods and bridges, and a whole lot of tiny little people who look like ants. The above montage is from both last year and this year. We’ve been going for several years now to enjoy both the view from the top and the festivities with Pratt school’s Ice Cream Social at the bottom of the tower. Alongside cake, ice cream, root beer floats, brats and corn on the cob, families and friends unite to support the school by buying carnival tickets, participating in the silent auction, or perusing the plant sale. Even one year when it rained we had a great time, and we always agree it is worth the line that threads through Prospect Park to make the climb.

Usually, I just have a Bob Dylan moment at the top where I picture him in Dinkytown, drinking a beer and penning these famous lyrics. Do you like the Bob Dylan or Jimi Hendrix version of this song better?

Meri