I should have learned my lesson last week at RAGBRAI in Coralville. From now on, I'm bringing cash to any event where there's bound to be yummy food. For the second week in a row, I left an assignment tummy grumbling and envious of all the folks I saw noshing. To make matters worse, I was at Jazz Under the Stars on Thursday asking people what food went best with blues in the park. So, it was impossible to get food off my mind as I chatted with people munching on pizza and sub sandwiches and drinking cool beers or glasses of wine.
Thursday night's crowd was a mixture of all generations, young families, couples, adult children and their parents. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the company and the music. The first of four free concerts that KCCK 88.3 puts on every August featured blues musician Bryce Janey. He and the band pumped Noelridge Park full of groove-worthy music that reached even those camped out in the far back
I was impressed by the number of people to went all out and brought picnic baskets or wine backpacks. One group even packed along a portable table, made for event such as this, that stood only a foot or so off the ground and was perfect for sitting on the ground or in a campchair. Another group was grilling out on a mini-gas grill. Now, that's what I call a picnic in the park.
I don't know if we'll go all out, but my husband and I will be back to catch another concert before August is over. And, this time I'll be sure to bring food.
Next week, it's more food-centered fun at St. Judes Sweet Corn Festival, where I'll be asking festival-goers how they like to eat their corn on the cob. See you there!