Remember Moonie’s pre-Pronk! song? He’s been working on it for weeks now. It’s become a 40-minute opus that he says cannot be performed without the backing of an entire philharmonic orchestra plus at least one kazoo. And whoever taught him the word “badonkadonk” will be pleased to know that he’s worked that phrase into at least 65 of the verses “because they rhyme with Pronk!”

And with just a little ol’ week to go until Providence Honk Fest, Moonie is more excited than ever. Pronk! is a special day that draws talented musicians from all around the world to perform for individuals and families – and it’s all free. Moonie cannot wait for this 8-hour-long festival of music and merriment, from the initial parade to the last celebratory note. The “cacophonous street celebration” extols everything except Columbus Day (it is specifically NOT a Columbus Day parade). Moonie cannot wait for the colors and energy and joy and glitter – everything he loves in one bright shiny package.

But there’s one hitch. All those musicians and artists and activists and the hundreds if not thousands of people coming out to enjoy them create a need for permits and safety details and toilets and feeding/housing people who have traveled many miles to entertain Rhode Islanders for zero compensation – which costs money. And as Pronk! charges no admission, that money needs to come from generous folks like you.

Moonie and I were proud donors to Pronk!’s annual Kickstarter campaign, which had him puffing out his little pink tuft, but we’re both a little sad that there are only 22 other backers so far. That’s an awful low number for the amount of merrymaking that will brighten everyone’s afternoon and night next Monday. The goal of $2200 is very reasonable for the amazing day Pronk! stages, but they’re only 1/3 to that goal with just a week to go. Many hundreds of people will benefit from Pronk! next Monday. Moonie thinks it would be awesome if each of them gave a dollar or two. What do you say?

(You can’t hear it, but Moonie is making the most endearing little puppy whining noises just for you.)