Poached Salmon, Grilled Shrimp, Music and Fireworks

Saturday was a busy day, but photos are scarce. Started the day at the street market in downtown Sarasota. We are there by nine and the place is just abuzz with fishmongers, fresh produce stands, arts, crafts... well you name it and you can find it on a "Sarasota Saturday Saunter" (hmmm, the beginning of a song. lyric?).  For us the focus is seafood and veggies as we're preparing a small buffet for dinner, before heading out with neighbours to see an outdoor concert and fireworks at the State College of Florida. 

With groceries in hand, it's back to our rental accommodations in Nokomis for some lunch and maybe a little poolside nap before dinner prep begins.

Poached salmon with lemon dill sauce, grilled shrimp, beet salad, devilled eggs, cheese platters, fresh fruit salad and more are added to the pot luck style buffet. The owners of the rental arrive (Lynn and Charlie), along with their good friend Mickey. Gerry and Evi from the adjacent unit complete the group  and after a wonderful meal, we head south to Venice and the college campus.  

This is really civilized. Wine and beer are welcomed and flow feely from ice packed coolers, along with snacks and in many cases, full on picnic meals. What a great way to spend an evening.

Can't say how many attended but this is obviously a very popular event... 

The gang waiting for the sun to slip behind the trees and for the music to begin... 

While on a stroll to the washrooms, I crossed paths with this little guy. I'd never seen one up close and personal before and was quite surprised at how close I could get without spooking him into running off.

Apparently, Armadillo are quite common in this neck of the woods.  

Tried to insert a video here, but encountered technical difficulty. So, you will have to imagine the music of the 1812 overture rising to a creciendo, while a multitude of sparkling, shimmering, colourful and thunderous bursts, erupt as you gaze skyward.

A wonderful way to spend an evening, for sure.