The welcoming arms of two massive balloon men greeted partygoers at the north end of Main Street and the west end of Sixth as Party on the Pavement took over Downtown Saturday. The brisk wind ensured that they were mostly horizontal, but weather was less of a factor than anticipated, and the party went on as planned -- whew! Yes, there was a little rain about 2:30, but it was more of a drizzle, and it was gone in 20 minutes or so... and did little to disrupt the city's biggest outdoor celebration.
There was music at multiple stages; food of all sorts from booths everywhere -- from sushi to paella to brats and corn on the cob; a huge Ferris Wheel at the intersection of Main and Sixth; dance; a martial arts demonstration; artistry and dunk booths; multiple bounce houses and a petting zoo; charity quilts from First Friday quilters; hands-on art projects for kids and adults ... even a mummy at the Heritage Museum. If you didn't have a good time... well, you must have stayed home. Big mistake.
Even this bear was prepared for a little rain.
Singer Hans Mayer taught kids in his audience how to scream...
...and they learned the lesson quickly.
Three Rotarians showed how polio is conquered, one finger at a time.
Barbara Vallone with charity quilts made from scrap material.
RAM's rummage sale had treasures galore.
What a difference a year makes: A Fiat 500 from CNH'sparent company; last year they brought a Maserati
The Ferris Wheel was busy all afternoon
Here's what Main Street looked like from atop the Ferris Wheel
Drew Stymacks, 8, made a powerful Spiderman
Amanda Billerbeck, 6, kept her corn from a hungry Storm Trooper
Julianna Hoaglund, 2, gets a hug
Hopefully, the worst tragedy of the day: a wayward balloon
Osterman Granite's climbing wall was a challenge
Petting zoo's llamas were insistent: Feed me!
Keaira Bridges, 13, demonstrates her martial arts skill
Performers from the Academy of Dance
Singers from the Penguin Players entertained as well
Pretty gay compared to the last couple years IMHO...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that it worked out well and that the attendees had a blast.Considering our calamitous local economy, Party on the Pavement was a great success.
ReplyDeleteAt least "the element" didn't show up
ReplyDeleteThis was the first year I went with my family and we had a really good time. Could have been just a tad bit warmer, but at least we didn't get the rain all day they were talking about! There was so much to see and eat! Don't get downtown much, but that may change. I think I found a new pizza spot - Salute's veggie pizza was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI for one applaud you for not showing a picture of our clueless Mayor. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis continues to be one of the best events of the year. congratulations to all that are involved in the planning and execution.
ReplyDeleteNever even knew this went on... Racine really needs to inform residence of stuff like this.
ReplyDeleteWe hear so much bad stuff but never the good or entertaining things that happen.