What's In Your Maplewoodstock Basket?

Champagne, shrimp cocktail and lobster tails, anyone?

This is exactly what a very relaxed looking group of young adults reported as the contents of their Maplewoodstock basket on Day 1 of the 2010 Maplewoodstock. When asked for a peek, well, I decided to stick with their story, as it is way more interesting than the sandwiches I saw on top.

Baskets of every sort can be seen all over Memorial Park this weekend at Maplewoodstock, from wicker to plastic, canvas and recycled plastic totes. 

A pair of twin girls and their friend proudly displayed what they chose to bring:  Trail mix, guilt-free chips and fiesta dip, strawberries, and lots of water filled the recycled tote bag.

Another couple expressed a less complex description of the contents of their Maplewoodstock basket (or bucket, in this case)—beer, beer, some beer, and a copy of The New York Times. Oh, and there's beer also.

It was the next spread of gourmet delicacies and interesting folk that sparked my interest via Fish Eye wine, Tecate, and a spread of cheeses. Wasabi cheddar, smoked Gouda, an Australian cheddar and an "interesting" brie was laid out on their blanket just plucked from their Maplewoodstock basket. Turns out they were visiting from Brooklyn, and one of them jarred her own roasted peppers. When asked what was the "French stuff in the box", her reply was, "Oh, that's just crackers".  Well, the Lavasch biscuits looked very gourmet, and this group was completely enjoying the day.

Another Maplewoodstock basket housed a water bottle with our very own zip code printed on it, and a message that we "go green." It superseded any other goodies beneath it, including the pasta salad and PB&J sandwiches. I saw nectarines, bread, and an interesting bottle of a Czech Style Pilsner. The owner of this goodie basket then displayed a tote bag with the same message.

Close by was a couple with a very active dog that was high-fiving her owners, but no Maplewoodstock basket in sight. However, I soon discovered that they did indeed have some version of the basket—but for the pooch only. Better yet was the fact I was talking to Maplewoodstock's own David Easton of the David Easton Band, scheduled to play Sunday at 2:06 p.m.

Another couple seemed all too settled in when I asked what was in their Maplewoodstock basket (or very large cooler, in this case).  "Assorted beverages" was the answer. That's all I got.

And then, right in front of me, was a real basket; a big, wicker, fabric-lined basket meant for such events as Maplewoodstock. The wafting scent of left-over BBQ chicken and pork from Churrasco Restaurant met my nose before I even said a word. Eager and proud of her booty, Maplewoodian.com's own wife pulled one thing after another out of that basket, making me think there was no bottom—Fruit, vegetable crudités, hard rolls, lemon water, and bubbles.

A few steps away, a woman expressed deep regret that she only brought pretzels and chips.  "I love to cook, and if I knew I was going to be asked, I would have made something really nice!"

Finally, upon leaving, a fine gent and his friend asked what I was researching. After explaining, he proudly showed me what he referred to as his "murse" (or "male purse"), which held not much more than credit cards and a license. But, I had to share the term. His friend carried newly developed pictures of her grandchildren, and grandpop dove into the picture to show his pride.

What's in YOUR Maplewoodstock basket today?