Summer Brings a Potpourri of Events to Palm Beach County

by Dianne Feen

If you had been reading Facebook you would think that most people in Florida and in Palm Beach County, in particular, had boarded a plane to somewhere exotic like the coast of Italy or the blissful terrain of Santorini.

But, luckily there are always a lot of people in town – and there’s a lot of fun things to do. If you don’t mind the heat and the sizzle doesn’t fizzle your good vibes, you’re in a treat.

One of the most fun that will shift your chakras and lift your vibration is the Coco Market in Veterans Park. If you’re an early bird you not only get the worm (maybe) but you got a Yoga Class with renowned Yogi Pedro. If you’re like me you still caught the rope throwing class with AJ & Georgie. This outdoor exercise lets you throw your weight around even if you are most timid person on the planet.

Coco Market is the brainchild of Corey Heyman, who seems to have tapped into the authenticity of Woodstock with a mystical contemporary vibe. There are healers, musicians, artisans selling everything to make you feel or look good (or both), healthy food vendors and a friendly vibe that will make you think it was 1970.

Speaking of a kinder gentler time, The Delray library has free films during the summer. They start at 2pm (a respectable time for night owls) and are wonderful films that will have you laughing and thinking. It’s laid back, the sound is not so loud that you need industrial strength  headphones and the temperature is perfect, not blistery cold. You get free popcorn and water, and the other movie goers seem like they just walked off the set of Mr. Rogers.

The 10th Annual Boca Burger Battle was a real test of time and Temperament. The temperature soared to new heights and the burgers were marinated, flipped and served to perfection. The contest for the best burger went to Burtons Grill & Bar and by nightfall everyone seemed in a hypnotic state of burgers, onions and craft beer. The event also raised money for local children’s charities.

We would be remiss not to boast about the EJS Block party last month. If community is the sincerest form of humanity than EJS (and founder Emanuel Dupree Jackson) has cracked the code of decency.

There were local charitable organizations, bouncy houses (for kids not adults), a DJ, dancing, live music, a tree giveaway by Community Greening, raffles and a full day of fun. One company gave away phones and tablets at nominal fees (if you qualified) and do-gooders from all corners of town were there (we saw you Wise Tribe, Eat Better Live Better and Education Rocks) but there were many more. The event was sponsored by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation.

The Grand Tasting took place at the Addison as part of Boca Bacchanal. This weekend of gourmet and charity took place so everyone could celebrate in the tradition of bacchanals that go back centuries. That meant friendship, fine wines, champagnes, and whiskey were served alongside food samplings by local chefs. Atlantic Grille at The Seagate Hotel & Spa were there,  Lemongrass Asian Bistro, Ramen Lab Eatery and dozens of other fan favorites. There was a silent auction and a courtyard filled with family, friends and fabulousness.