This event was absolutely wonderful!! It was not perfect, as few things are, but all in all, I was…read morein heaven here!! I loved it all!!
The backdrop biscayne blvd was gorgeous, the performances were lovely and the music just kept my hips moving the entire time. It was great to try the different food trucks. There were about 15 of them. They all definitely made a killing and I am so happy for them to have had this chance to get their name out there, too. I think they are a great addition to this city and definitely a trend that will only grow larger.
I loved that this event had two stages, an adult center stage and then a side stage that was family oriented and had more cultural performances. The Japanese drummers were phenomenally cool --awesome rhythms and great energy! The Peruvian Expression group had me in a complete trance the whole time. I loved all of the different rhythms and that singers voice was just divine! I could listen to it all day. Whether she was talking or singing, she just had this magnetic charm about her. Oh, and the Junkanoo parade hit the spot, too. Great constumes and great energy and pull factor, too! The crowd loved it!
The kids seemed to have some really cool crafts that, admittedly, I wished I could've snuck in and done with them ;). The arts booths were great because I was able to learn about new galleries and new programs and sign up for some great mailing lists. On top of that, the give-a-ways were great! Tote bags, folders, pocket fans, discount tickets, and more! As simple as it was, I have to say the Vitamin Water give-a-way was my fav! Genius!! Pure freakin' genius! There was actually a fair amount of seating if you knew where to look, too.
So, the downside...surprisingly, neither parking nor traffic is on the list. Traffic was fine. My only complaint about parking is that they pulled a fast one and charged $10 parking for this "free" event. However, for the quick and savvy, like my dear Claudia J., you know there is parking on the very very nearby 1st Ave and 1st Ct at regular meter price. Hellloo! Ok, and the other downside, the main walkway was lined with trucks, which initially seemed great, but it was far too congested in the end. I hope they develop a new solution for that. Also, the big beast today was the unbearable HEAT! Please, guys, move this to October or at least late September. Either way, I'm there!
Three hours there was perfect, although I would've been fine with staying longer, too, because the rhythms were just so wonderful! Getting there at 12:30 had us eating with virtually no lines!!