Tonight's Tour of Lawrence events were a great success!
We were excited to work with the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau to put on a street party before, during and after the street sprints on New Hampshire Street.
The crowds were a little light until the sun went down and the heat subsided (a little bit), but everyone who was there will surely agree that it was a great event for downtown Lawrence.
Our crew set up tents in the middle of our Eighth Street block and served Free State beers, Corona, Shark Attacks and Sandbar Subs sandwiches. Events like this require more staff, and when the drink selections are limited to pouring beer and pre-mixed drinks or handing over cans, we let some of less-experienced friends help tend bar (like me, although my bartending gig tonight was short-lived for multiple reasons).
You might not have recognized some of them: along with Heather, our Friday early shift bartender, was her husband Ken; our new doorguy Nathan; Callie and Haley, two lovely ladies from our Sub Shop in Ottawa; and Sandbar art director/official framer Justin, owner of FastFrame.
The band Blue Orleans opened the party before the street sprints, then there was a break in the music for over an hour so the crowd could watch the bicyclists race down New Hampshire. After the street sprints, the Kansas City AC/DC tribute band called KC/DC took the stage.
There were plenty of activities for kids, too. A giant Jayhawk bounce house and a huge swing that spun around kept lots of youngsters entertained.
Thanks to everyone who came out for the events tonight! We love to see outdoor events for the Lawrence community. Here's hoping for more downtown fun this summer (but a little less heat)!
