Provo, UT

As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I loved block parties and street fairs. The street would be roped off, everyone would be out socializing and laughing, kids would be playing, the smell of great food would fill the air, and there would always be some sort of entertainment. Party on the Boulevard is like a modern version of those childhood fêtes.

We accidentally stumbled across Party on the Boulevard last summer: as we were waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant we decided to see what the crowd was on the other side of the parking lot. It turned out to be a cool little festival, with live music, great food, a vintage car show, and more.

We had such a nice time hanging out, listening to music, eating great food and spending time together, that I was happy to learn that Party on the Boulevard would become a semi-annual event. The second time was even better than the first: seven great restaurants and a coffee bar, booths with local businesses and organizations, free crafts and face painting for the kids, a balloon artist, another car show. The Layton police and fire departments were even on hand to do free fingerprinting and fire engine tours.

What I love about Party on the Boulevard is that it’s not a huge, overwhelming carnival atmosphere. You don’t have to fight big crowds and the lines aren’t too long for food. There are tables and chairs, or you can bring a picnic blanket and sit on the grass.

I also love that major restaurants serve some of their most popular dishes at reasonable prices. It’s a great way to sample different restaurants (Corbin’s Grille has the best spinach artichoke dip I’ve ever tasted!) and it made me want to try them all. We even got a secret envelope for Rovali’s restaurant that contains a surprise gift certificate that we can’t open until we go there (I’m hoping for the free canoli!).

The Party is held on Heritage Park Boulevard in Layton, near the Davis Conference Center, Hilton Garden Inn, and Roosters restaurant. Admission and parking are free.

I’m looking forward to the next one in August…see you there!

For more info, www.partyontheboulevard.com