PHOTOS: 2012 Parties in the Park Kicks Off in Downtown Clayton

Parties in the Park kicked off Wednesday evening as hundreds gathered in downtown for one of the best street parties in the city, now in its 29th year. Attendees enjoyed live dance music from Slam and David Ramon Zamudio featuring selections from the last three decades. Streetside restaurants and vendors offered food, beer and cocktails.

For the second year in a row, the event returned to Meramec Avenue between Forsyth Boulevard and Maryland Avenue. Barriers kept traffic from the street, allowing people to stroll leisurely with friends. Comfy lounge areas included large cushioned couches, love seats and chairs. High-top tables and bar stools stood in the middle of the street.

As a new feature this year, local artists from the will create a live painting at the party each month. The will auction these off at future Chamber events.

Parties in the Park are free, open to the public and held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from May through September.

More information about parking, transportation, the event lineup and more is available on the Parties in the Park website.

Parties in the Park Dates and Music Line Up:

June 13th – Pop ‘N Rocket and Billyo O’Donnell

July 11th – My Friend Mike and R.J. Shay

August 8th – concoction and Lisa Ober

September 12th – American Idle and Henryk