Concerts in the Park

Friday evening we packed a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit and animal crackers and headed down to the City Park to listen to Rancho Deluxe. I love Paso's summer concerts. Most nights, the weather's cooled down just enough to be comfortable with T-shirts and maybe a sweatshirt. We sit under old oak trees and listen to the music echo across the evening sky. Children run around, jumping over picnic blankets and dodging chairs. Toddlers dance in circles, clapping their hands to the beat. Groups of friends sit in circles, sipping wine and talking. Families - grandparents, parents and children - eat their dinners and pass new babies around. Old friends greet each other across the way, exchanging gossips and hugs. Teenagers walk hand-in-hand kissing and giggling.

It's nights like this that make me glad that I still live in a small town. I love the energy and sense community.