This year marks a rare natural phenomenon in Grubville, Tennessee: the first simultaneous emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII cicadas in 221 years. Mid-May will witness these creatures, part of 13-year and 17-year cycles respectively, rise in unison from the ground. After mating, the females will deposit their eggs and by early July, the adult cicadas will have completed their life cycle, dying off until their next dramatic appearance in 2037. This historic event has the small town buzzing with anticipation and business opportunities as residents prepare for the onslaught of noise and… culinary delights?
Grubville’s Gourmet Buzz
As the cicadas prepare to surface, local restaurateurs are adding a crunchy twist to their menus. José’s Jalapeños, a popular Mexican spot, has announced “Cicada Sundays” featuring half-price cicada tacos, charmingly named “Buzz Bites.” Meanwhile, entrepreneurial spirit bubbles in Bob Buzzman who recently unveiled his “Cicada-Licious” food truck. Bob’s special includes “Sizzlin’ Cicada Skewers” and “Chirp Chips,” a crispy snack seasoned with spices, promising a dining experience that’s as loud in flavor as the cicadas are in sound.
Silence Sells
Not everyone in Grubville is excited about the impending cacophony. Local entrepreneur Sally Silenz has stocked up on earplugs, launching a brand aptly named “Hush Hoppers.” She’s set up stands throughout the town and is marketing her product with the slogan, “Keep the Buzz Out.” Her deluxe model even comes with a mini radio feature playing soothing classical music, for those who prefer Beethoven over buzz.
Weather or Not, Here They Come
Grubville’s beloved weatherman, Stormy Jones, has added a new segment to his daily forecast: Cicada Watch 2024. Equipped with what he calls his “Cicada Radar,” Stormy predicts noise levels, advising when it’s best to venture outside. “Expect a loud week with a chance of deafening,” he warns, his maps dotted with hotspots of high cicada activity.
Cicada Appreciation Day
Mayor Thelma Thud has officially declared May 25th as “Cicada Appreciation Day” in Grubville. Festivities planned include a Cicada Costume Contest for pets, a “Guess the Number of Cicadas in the Jar” game, and a silent disco (where everyone wears Sally’s “Hush Hoppers”). Mayor Thud commented, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these remarkable creatures and the mystery of their lengthy life cycle!”
Divine Buzz
In a more controversial preparation, local politician Reverend Hank Holyroller is using the cicada emergence as a backdrop for his fiery sermons. Stationed outside his “End of Days” food truck, he preaches about the biblical significance of the cicada invasion, proclaiming it “a divine buzz to awaken us to repentance” and teasing more apocalyptic critter-based prophecies.
As Grubville braces for this once-in-a-lifetime event, the town finds itself united in a bizarre blend of excitement, innovation, and a touch of madness, proving that even a small town can make a big noise when billions of cicadas decide to drop in for a visit.