by Debbi | Jul 3, 2011 | Downtown, Events, Good Things, Random Holidays
Looking for something fun to do on Independence Day? Check out the Lawrence Originals' Party in the Park!
The family-friendly party runs from 2-10 p.m. tomorrow in Watson Park, also known as the train park, at 7th and Kentucky. It includes live music, plenty of kids' activities and of course, food!
According to the Lawrence Originals website, they'll have over 20 tents with food served up by local restaurants along with locally brewed beer. You can see a list of all the participating restaurants and the food they'll have available on the site, too. There's definitely no need to cook tomorrow!
Admission to the party is free, but food & drink prices will vary. Don't forget your blankets and lawn chairs!
The annual city fireworks will start at 9:45 after the Party in the Park.
We'll see you there!
by Debbi | Jul 2, 2011 | Birthday Party, Downtown, Events
At Friday night's Tour of Lawrence street party, we had another nice surprise: a visit from mid-90's regular customer Gina, who now lives far, far away in Seattle!
And, it's her birthday today!
The last time we remember seeing Gina in the bar is back in 2002, right after the hurricane debuted. Lots of things have changed since then, but she still looks as young as ever!
And look- she still poses the same way for the camera! (Above, Gina circa 2002 and last night.)
Gina and her family are in the area for an extended visit, and of course they had to stop in Lawrence for dinner at Free State Brewery and an evening at the Sandbar.
Once Dave found out it was her birthday at midnight, he ordered a special hurricane and they danced on the bar in mermaid costumes.
Happy, happy birthday Gina! It was so great to see you and Michael last night, and we hope you can make it back for a visit again soon.
A few more pictures are posted on our Facebook page.
by Debbi | Jul 1, 2011 | Downtown, Events
Tonight's Tour of Lawrence events were a great success!
We were excited to work with the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau to put on a street party before, during and after the street sprints on New Hampshire Street.
The crowds were a little light until the sun went down and the heat subsided (a little bit), but everyone who was there will surely agree that it was a great event for downtown Lawrence.
Our crew set up tents in the middle of our Eighth Street block and served Free State beers, Corona, Shark Attacks and Sandbar Subs sandwiches. Events like this require more staff, and when the drink selections are limited to pouring beer and pre-mixed drinks or handing over cans, we let some of less-experienced friends help tend bar (like me, although my bartending gig tonight was short-lived for multiple reasons).
You might not have recognized some of them: along with Heather, our Friday early shift bartender, was her husband Ken; our new doorguy Nathan; Callie and Haley, two lovely ladies from our Sub Shop in Ottawa; and Sandbar art director/official framer Justin, owner of FastFrame.
The band Blue Orleans opened the party before the street sprints, then there was a break in the music for over an hour so the crowd could watch the bicyclists race down New Hampshire. After the street sprints, the Kansas City AC/DC tribute band called KC/DC took the stage.
There were plenty of activities for kids, too. A giant Jayhawk bounce house and a huge swing that spun around kept lots of youngsters entertained.
Thanks to everyone who came out for the events tonight! We love to see outdoor events for the Lawrence community. Here's hoping for more downtown fun this summer (but a little less heat)!
by Debbi | Jun 29, 2011 | Downtown, Events, Good Things
This Saturday, a couple of our favorite things come together to form one spectacular event: raising money for people in need, prizes and local cover band $ellout!
Jammin for Joplin is a fundraising event that takes place just down the street at the Bottleneck on Saturday, July 2. It starts at 8 p.m. and all ages are welcome- even children.
The cost is $7 payable at the door, and 100% of the funds will be donated to the United Way to assist people in need in Joplin and Reading after the devastating tornados that struck their towns.
A silent auction will also be available with lots of great prizes, including gift certificates to Pawsh Wash, Merry Maids, Wheat State Pizza, Java Break, tickets to Kanrocksas, tickets to Oceans of Fun, KU basketball tickets and more.
$ellout, featuring current long-time Sandbartender Danny and former Sandbartender Bob occasionally filling in on the drums, will perform along with DJ Approach. Jason Barr will serve as the evening's emcee.
Jammin for Joplin was organized by Lindsey Frye of Eats & Beats. Lindsey was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
What made you want to organize this event?
Honestly I saw the pictures, heard the stories and it just struck a chord in me. I wanted to do more than text a $10 donation. It really hit home to me because of my situation of being unemployed. I looked around at my situation and thought, at least I have a home to come home to. I can tuck my kids in their beds at night. These people in Joplin can't. They have absolutely nothing and no matter my situation they need help more. I decided on this type of event because entertainment and music is always great to bring people together and get people excited for a cause. Steve Ozark of Sellout has been instrumental in opening many doors to make this event a success.
What's been the best and worst part of organizing the event?
The best part is knowing that 100% of everything raised is going to Joplin and Reading. The hardest part has been gathering donations.
What kind of community support have you received?
Everyone has been very willing to donate goods for the silent auction and drawing. KLWN has been kind enough to have me on two of their morning shows to talk about the event. Both The Lazer and The Bull have been great on mentioning the event on the radio as well.
It's not too late to contribute! Lindsey is still looking for donations of any kind; nothing is too big or too small. Even if you can't donate an item, come out for the party on Saturday night!
RSVP on Facebook
More coverage of Jammin for Joplin by lawrence.com
by Debbi | Jun 23, 2011 | Downtown, Events, Jukebox
If you're lucky enough to be on our email list, you've already heard this news. We try to make announcements like this to our email subscribers first. If you want to join our email list, go here.
Exciting news for fans of outdoor events in downtown Lawrence!
Next weekend, July 1-3, the Tour of Lawrence returns to town. The event features a weekend of Pro-AM USA Cycling races, children's races and events, and live music. Events take place downtown on Friday and Sunday and on the KU campus on Saturday.
Friday night, July 1, features a street party with live music on 8th Street in front of the Sandbar! Here's all the details:
- Blue Orleans will kick off the music at 5:30 p.m.
- KC/DC, an AC/DC tribute band, will play at 8:30 p.m.
- Free State Beer will be available for purchase outside
Eighth street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire will close around 3 p.m. on Friday so we can get ready for the party.
You know how much we love costumes. Whether you pedal or rev your engine, come dressed in your best biker gear!
Be sure to check out the Tour of Lawrence website for the full schedule of events, there's a lot of great stuff besides the concert on Friday night.
Special thanks to the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau for letting us be part of the excitement! Be sure to come out and support another great event in our wonderful city.
RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends! Help us spread the word about this fun event.
by Debbi | Jun 22, 2011 | Door Diaries, Downtown, Stories
Some of our friends left the bar one night. Sober friend was leading drunk friend to her car so sober friend could drive drunk friend home.
They turned the corner and saw a girl lying near the street. An ambulance had pulled up. Apparently, the girl fell or passed out and her friends called 911 (that's the right thing to do, people).
Our drunk friend exclaimed as they walked by, "I may be drunk, but I'm not ambulance drunk!"
And that's a good thing.
