Parties in the Park Kicks Off in Downtown Clayton

Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday along a block of Meramec Avenue in Clayton as Parties in the Park kicked off with live music, games, special appearances, food and drinks from street-side restaurants and booths.

Parties in the Park, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, is held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from May through September. The event—now in its 28th year—has moved from Shaw Park to North Meramec Avenue between Forsyth Boulevard and Maryland Avenue.

“There's lots of new things,” said Ellen Gale, executive director of the , said. “We've moved from Shaw Park to Meramec, so now it's a street party. That's huge. There's ping-pong tables and lounge furniture everywhere, and two porches where you can just hang out and watch people.”

Party goers networked, gathered in groups with friends, relaxed in lounge areas or sidewalk cafes and listened to contemporary rock music provided by Paint The Earth. Plants supplied by in Richmond Heights decorated the street.

Other attendees met a Clydesdale named Chuck. John Clark, a seven-year Clydesdale handler, accompanied him. People also had the opportunity to get free snapshots at an old-time photo booth.

Becky Edwards and Stacey King were the team to watch on the ping-pong tables. They enjoyed the outdoor weather and the comfortable, relaxed nature of the event.

“It's a great atmosphere,” Edwards said. “It's after work, and after being inside all day, we're having a blast.”

King agreed.

“It's outdoors, and the weather's fantastic," King said. "I'm definitely coming back.”

This year's event created a big buzz, Gale said.

“We're the original afterwork party,” Gale said. “There's been lots of imitators, but there's only one Clayton Parties in the Park. It's going to be a huge hit.”

Michelle Abernathy and Susan Black stayed close to the band, enjoying the music.

“We're having a great time,” Abernathy said. “This band is awesome."

Black agreed.

“Good friends, good music, good time," Black said.

To keep abreast of Parties in the Park activities and updates, visit the event's  Facebook and Twitter feeds.