One of the most iconic figures in the Gainesville bar scene is the "21st birthday girl." She usually comes in with a gaggle of girls who are borderline overdressed for the bar or club, and she has always already had too much to drink.
She is instantly recognizable with her tiara and the "21 things to do on your 21st birthday" sign. I've seen signs shaped like beer mugs, martini glasses and Playboy-bunny logos. No matter the shapes or sizes, they're all big, pink and glittery.
All these signs are designed for the same purpose - to put the wearer in embarrassing Facebook photo ops and to make sure there is never a moment she doesn't have a glass in her hand.
Although the majority of celebratory tasks are common to every birthday girl, even I'm amazed with the thought some people put into their lists. Highlights include getting a stranger to give you his or her underwear, taking a red-headed-slut shot with a ginger and only introducing yourself by your stripper name.
Getting a free shot from the bartender is a pretty standard item on the list, and we're almost always willing to comply. Asking nicely is the only way to go; otherwise you'll be getting whiskey - warm.
The benefit of being the 21st birthday girl is that you're not concerned with what other people are saying about your behavior. This often leads to situations that causes the bar staff to intervene.
I've coaxed my share of drunken girls off bar stools and pool tables and received nothing but bewildered stares when I told them that with 10 or more shots in their system, they have to keep their feet firmly on the ground. You don't want to ring in your 21st birthday in the emergency room when your face meets the bar floor.
Even if you don't plan a typical 21st birthday extravaganza for yourself, Gainesville tradition maintains one other part of the 21st birthday girl equation. Meet the "overzealous best friend." She's the girl that's talked about her 21st birthday since her senior year of high school, and if your birthday happens to come after hers, beware.
