Honestly, I’ve never really felt the desire to go to New Orleans. I have nothing against the city, its just not on my bucket list. But I do like listening to jazz music from time to time. I had my chance on Saturday when downtown Wooster was filled with jazz.
The Wooster Arts Jazz Fest took over downtown Wooster despite the wind and the threat of rain. Bobby and I were able to go there with my mom, Dolores, and one of our great nephews, Noah.
The event was put on in partnership between Main Street Wooster, Wayne Center for the Arts, the Wooster Rotary Club and Wooster City Schools. The city blocked of portions of Liberty and Market Streets to allow artists to display their various talents. We saw paintings, functional fabric art, wood and metal art. There were also plenty of things for children to do free of charge. It was a nice opportunity for Noah and I am glad he came with us.
While Noah decided he didn’t want to do anything with clay, he did decorate an umbrella for the Mardi Gras type parade. He also was the last kid to get a balloon animal. He chose a dog for his balloon. Then we viewed the chalk art. Bobby asked him to lay down next to Jeff Keirn’s chalk creation, but he wouldn’t. Well, that is, until I laid down on the street.
Noah, my Mom and I participated in the parade. River City Jazz led the parade and was followed by a crowd carrying decorated umbrellas.
Mom and I were using borrowed ones. I imagine this was just like the parades they do in New Orleans—but on a much smaller and tamer scale. We didn’t have to do anything to earn our beads.
I know it rained after we left, but not for very long. I really hope that others went out to enjoy the festivities once it cleared up. While I’m sure it isn’t exactly like New Orleans at Mardi Gras, I imagine it was similar enough for me to get a taste of it in my own backyard.
What are some of the things you like to do in downtown Wooster? Share them in the comments below.
