Did you somehow find yourself deep in a festival, and now everything feels like a dream? In this dream, you might find a strange casino – not one where you bet with chips or coins, but odd knick-knacks or even your soul if you wish to do so.
Almost like a traveling circus, this dream-like experience is a traveling casino called Frick Frack Blackjack – possibly one of the finest art installations/experiences one could come across at a festival.
Attractive with its circus-like old-time aesthetic, many wander upon this casino unexpectedly (just as the RMR team did at Suwannee Hulaween). It’s not uncommon to find others gambling the clothes off of their back. Though, those that knew of such a place came prepared with a wealth of goods ready to bet in a game of blackjack. Any knick-knack or odd item you can think of was there for a lucky winner.
Old dolls, a typewriter, candles, hats, lamps, camping gear, the doily that was on grandma’s dresser, all displayed on a wall behind the dealer, and any of it could be yours. Got an old microphone? Bet it for a hammock. Got some strange painting you don’t know what to do with? Gamble it for another strange painting you won’t know what to do with. The more valuable an item you gamble, the more valuable of an item you can get.
A Casino Experience Unlike Any Other
It’s priceless to watch the look on people’s faces when they bring up some oddity for a bet. Or, the conversation that goes, “what the heck even is that thing?” On the other hand, it can be kind of rough to watch somebody lose something they loved, and continuously bet smaller items to get it back.
From my observation, a well accepted item to gamble would be hat pins. They are small and valuable so you can carry many of them and win more distinguished prizes with just one.
Card dealers and prizes at Northwest String Summit | Photo via Frick Frack Blackjack
Frick Frack Pawn Shop
Perhaps you’re more of a bartering businessman than a compulsive gambler. Frick Frack also includes a pawn shop where you can buy or trade for something you might want. Don’t go looking for a catalogue, though. There’s no guessing what’s going to be on their shelves.
The Frick Frack pawn shop also serves as a space for those to conduct business and trade with each other. If you’d like to work on your marketing or sales skills, this is the right place to be.
To enter this rather lawless market, I brought a beautiful hat. I was bombarded with offers for it, from a projector to an old telephone, and a metal object which I could not comprehend. The most memorable offer was for a shag looking suit. The seller told me, “it’s made out of the finest Italian silk and feels smooth to the touch.” Every piece of that suit was rougher than sandpaper.
Frick Frack at Suwannee Hulaween 2021
Secret Stage
Now what kind of casino wouldn’t have a show? Frick Frack did not fall shorthanded on their ability to setup a stage and draw in crowds with performances. It is recommended that you take a look at their tent earlier on if you plan on catching one because the performances are only every few hours.
From burlesque to circus acts to poi and fire spinning, Frick Frack’s performance lineup was not one to miss. Their stage was incredibly inviting using an old-time aesthetic with comfortable tables, chairs, plenty of space, and a homely TV displaying classic movies.
Hulaween Frick Frack Experience
Frick Frack was easily one of the best experiences to be had at Suwannee Hulaween. The only reason I had even heard of it was because I wore a poker suit for the first two nights. I constantly got told to take a visit and put it up as a bet, and as I write to you, I am regretting not having done so. Having brought only two carry-on bags for the whole trip, my experience was as unprepared as anyone else who accidentally stumbled across Frick Frack. However, to stay and observe such a circus is a moment or two worth having in itself.
Frick Frack at its peak at Suwannee Hulaween 2021
Finding and Booking Frick Frack Blackjack
I highly recommend making Frick Frack a priority destination for Hulaween or any other festival you may find them at. Start thinking about what you’re willing to gamble now and save it for your time to shine on the blackjack table. If you’re too eager to wait for the next one, follow Frick Frack Blackjack on Facebook (Meta), Instagram, or check out their website.
On their website you can see a tour schedule as well as options to book their setup. For those looking to book them for events, they have a layout of their setup variations online. Some of their setups include more games and stage space than others, but if you read over what they offer, it’s all very efficient and creative.
Stay lucky and maybe soon you’ll find them open for business in your hometown.
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