#14 – Live After Five

Enjoy Live After Five Friday evenings during July and August in Central Park, 102 West Fourth St., Ottumwa, call 641-682-7541.

I have not always been diligent about checking the list to make sure we make all the events based on timing – for example, I found out about the Gothic Days event, one of my first entries, approximately twenty-eight minutes before it closed, and only because I overheard it on the radio during one of the brief periods I didn’t have XM on.

Since Mrs.JB* and LittleJB* (sigh – no longer BabyJB*) are down by Central Park almost daily, she had seen the sign and kept telling me of the Live After Five, even attending it once themselves – the same day they attended Lunch in the Park, actually. My schedule just did not line itself up with me being able to.

Finally, the weekend of Labor Day, I left work a bit earlier than normal (yay!) to attend the last Live After Five. Driving towards the park on Fourth Street, it seemed a little empty on the road – too many parking spots available.

As I drove past the Park, it was confirmed – the place was empty. Totally empty. Apparently “Friday evenings during July and August” is null and void when the Friday is the Friday of Labor Day weekend.

So, we turn to Mrs.JB* for her brief recollection of the one she went to -

There was only a handful of people in attendance, but we were there right at five. The band (picture accompanying) was playing bluegrass/folk music. Kids were dancing and running about and our son joined right in, though he knew none of them. Several older couples had picnic blankets out and were lounging to the music. Just a peaceful family friendly event – pretty much what I would expect it to be.

And there you go.

Summary:
As mom always taught, it is best to not wait til the last minute.

Score (Out of Five Bridges)
Fun:
Unique Experience:
Repeatable:
Overall: