Four of us troop toward the bandstand in San Marcos Plaza Park bordered by the icy cold San Marcos River. We are earlier than usual and this late Thursday afternoon in June our preferred picnic spot is in the middle of the sun-filled grassy lawn. We move away from the center toward the shade of the trees, unfolding chairs while Michael unrolls and assembles our transportable picnic table. Chilled rosé is in the insulated rolling tote, along with a cold refreshing cannellini bean and radish salad, smoky salty peppery ribs, and a lusciously sweet blueberry streusel tart. Our friends have brought deviled eggs, an olive medley, and wickedly spicy Wickle Pickles. (Note: Read or scroll to the end of this article to find the link to the picnic menu and recipes.)

After talking for a full five minutes, the four of us decide it is time to eat. As we munch, the park fills up. Everyone packs and carries and carts—picnics, chairs, wagons, blankets, coolers. They come in couples. They come in groups. They come with pets on leashes. One of our friends falls in love with a tiny black baby chihuahua that shivers and shakes as she lavishes it with affection. A teeny tiny baby is plopped on a blanket just beyond our feet. Another group arrives, sets up their chairs, grabs towels and heads for the river. They return refreshed and chilled. We overhear, “I forgot how cold the water is…” “I just had to jump in and ignore it…”  “It felt really good…”

A large group climbs up from the river banks with giant floats in tow, finding space on the grassy slope to stash their gear and listen to the music. I look for the bevy of hula hoopers from past concerts, but today they must have decided to stay home. There have been tiny tots that are good, and smaller tots that try, and a talented teenager—who is an expert with multiple hoops at once—who patiently teaches.

It is stereotypical summer in America, and this is one stereotype I want to be a part of—people of all ages and all sizes coming together, forgetting work, worries, and to do lists in order to share their appreciation of music, food, and Mother Nature. I love coming here, no matter the music—it is always good, always entertaining—it is loving and living at its best.

The Grammy award winning, Smithsonian honored, Los Texmaniacs roar to life with their drums and guitars and bass and squeeze box accordion, taking the park by storm with their version of conjunto Tejano Rock and Roll, with a little German polka thrown in for good measure.

Dancers take to the small patch of green in front of the stage—each couple doing their own thing—from tots to tweeners to teenagers, who swing and gyrate wildly, to parents of teenagers, to parents of the parents, and then there is the grandpa with his granddaughter who do the twist. The grandfather bends his knees, twisting toward the ground—lower and lower. I hold my breath.

A vivacious five-year-old with long dark tresses, dressed in pink, waves her arms, twirls around and wiggles her tiny hips. She has all the right moves, proving she can dance—even if it is in between the lawn chairs.

Gosh, I want to dance too—I look at Michael, I think I’m being ignored—I still want to dance. I move my shoulders, tap my feet, and jiggle in my seat. My chair rocks.

SAN MARCOS 2018 SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

sponsored by the San Marcos Performing Arts Association

San Marcos Plaza Park, 202 North CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos, Texas

Every Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

June 7 – August 9, 2018

2018 Concert Dates and Artists

Jun 7: Brave Combo
Jun 14: Walt Wilkins & the Mystiqueros
Jun 21: Los Aztex
Jun 28: Shelley King
Jul 5: Jeff Plankenhorn
Jul 12: Donovan Keith
Jul 19: Brushy Mountain Bluegrass Boys
Jul 26: Terri Hendrix Band
Aug 2: Joe Ely
Aug 9: Two Tons of Steel
 

Concerts are FREE to the public. Pass the Hat donations at intermission are greatly appreciated.

Alcohol is permitted within the CONCERT VENUE AREA ONLY on CONCERT NIGHTS ONLY.

NO glass containers. NO Styrofoam. Use trash and recycling bins located throughout the park.

www.smpaa.us/events/summerinthepark/

 

 

Click the following link for the recipes.

 Picnic Menu and Recipes – Smoky Ribs for a Summer Concert in the Park