Lots of neighbors came out for the Mary Street Mixer

The Mary Street Mixer could not have been better on Sunday. It was the perfect mix of neighbors, music, food and the weather was perfect. The event took place at the large parking lot at the Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors location. The Gallery along with Bike Coconut Grove threw the event and everyone came out. Above, one of the chefs from Happy Wine, from across the street, prepared a delicious paella. It was free as were all the goodies. The whole event was free and that's not something you hear in Coconut Grove very often.

The crew from GroveTown Properties, who have an office across the street, served up a delicious vodka punch along with strawberry short cake.

The Memphis Kelly Band performed almost the whole time and our friend Ronnie Brooks stepped in to sing a number or two.

Hank Sanchez-Resnik, left, of Bike Coconut Grove, was a great emcee. He called out the raffle numbers and told people about the event.

There was plenty of food all over the mixer from Dunkin' Donuts to chicken wings and other goodies. Another neighbor from across the street, Pauloluigi, provided delicious trays of Tortelini. I love how the neighbors all come together on that end of the Grove. Leslie's boutique had a tent set up and the Nityananda Center students performed.

We're hoping this is a yearly, or maybe twice-a-year event. It really couldn't be any better.

There was plenty of parking in the area, but most people walked or biked over, the Bike Valet was available for bikers to leave their bikes and I did see many of the Grove's long distance bikers there.

Lots of people walked over with their pets, there were plenty of dogs; all well behaved.