CELEBRATING AMERICA ON THE BLVD

Yesterday we spent the evening at Lancaster Blvd, the re-developed centre of Lancaster. Throughout the year the Blvd hosts themed events as well as weekly farmers markets. This event was aptly called 'Celebrate America' and was celebration of all things from the USA; from music to military, cars and food and everything else, ending the evening by lighting up the sky with fireworks.

There were musical acts like Elvis and Frank Sinatra impersonators to 1940s themed jazz bands stationed at different points along the Blvd which meant we heard a fair mi of music as we wandered along. The main section of the Blvd housed a variety of cars to browse at. We saw some of the most bizarre cars. There were also loads of immaculate classic normal American cars but I forgot to take photos of them sorry.

The gentleman who owned the yellow car (see below) offered to start it up so we could hear what it sounded like, well at that point I lost some of my hearing permanently as the engine boomed to life and filled the Blvd with noise!! Was impressed tho!

Here are the best photos of the evening (before the battery ran out, yes I'll learn for next time Hannah, always bring the spare one)

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THE GRAND GUMBO TASTING FESTIVAL

What on earth is gumbo some of you will ask... it is a slightly soupy stew containing everything and I mean everything (fish, shrimp, sausage, pork, beef) but it tastes better than it sounds. It is a very popular dish from the southern states creole cuisine.

So at the festival a load of the local restaurants and groups fought for the prize of the best gumbo, and at times used some very high pressure selling techniques! With live music playing and perfect weather we strolled around the stalls trying to find the best. 

Now professional gumbo eating judgement says that my favourite was Stall No.2; a less spicy gumbo with more of a smokey taste from the pulled pork. It was yum! However Stall No.11 set my mouth on fire with the amount of chillies in it! One of the guys even had a crab claw in his, very funny as he hates the taste of crabs!

Here are some snaps of the day's event. 

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