Guests at the Oct. 2 release party for The Colorful Characters of St. Louis will have a chance to get more than a book autographed by the author, great food and great drink and monstrous servings of fun.
They’ll also have a chance to meet and talk to some of the Colorful Characters mentioned in the book. Those who have said they would come include attorney Albert Watkins, who defended a college student’s right to parody the “North Face” clothing line with his own “South Butt” outfits, and Donnybrook founder Ray Hartmann.
The Rev. Kenneth McKoy, who regularly leads late night walks against violence on the North Side, will be there. Mike Stein, who used to be the “King of Credit” in outrageous commercials for Schweig-Engel, will put in an appearance. So will Paul “Father Time” Pagano, who regularly greets visitors to festivals, parades and sporting events with a smile and a handshake. Retired St. Louis Zoo Director Charles Hoessle is coming. And Colorful Character Steven Fitzpatrick Smith has to be on hand. As the owner of the Royale, he’s the host of the festivities.
Other CCs (Colorful Characters) likely will show. The question is: will the most Colorful Character ever (you!) be there? It’s time to say “yes.” Mark your calendar for 2-5 p.m. Sunday Oct. 2 at the Royale, 3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd. on the South Side. The party won’t be the same without you.
Jim Merkel the Writer 