Marlton, NJ —The summer is in full swing, and so are many outdoor free events with pay-as-you-go vendors. By chance, I attended one after driving by The Promenade at Sagemore in Marlton, NJ. I could see numerous cars parked, and people gathered around an area that was protected from traffic. With my curiosity piqued, I turned into the upscale shopping center and parked.
Given my slightly nomadic tendency, I always have a blanket and cooler full of water in my car—amongst other just-in-case items. I pulled out my blanket and water bottle and followed the music to its epicenter. There I found a significant number of people who brought out their best beach chairs and were seated around a pop-up stage.
For anyone who doesn’t drag a trunk full of just-in-case items, there are ample options to purchase something to meet your needs in the shopping center. However, what I was drawn to was a small patch of grass with a pop-up vendor catering to art; in particular, art that you can create.
I chose one of the paintings that Pinot’s Palette had on hand and happily paid the $10 to tap into my inner artist. I’ve never actually painted before, so this could have ended up as a very abstract looking painting—but I followed most* of the directions.
Yes, I said most with an asterisk—I’m an ‘outside the box’ kind of person, so I tossed the full instructions once I had a hang of the blending techniques and opted to change the scenery in the painting. Because I was so intensely engaged in the creative process, I ended up not finishing the painting that night. Thankfully the very friendly owner of Pinot’s Palette (located in Cherry Hill, NJ) offered for me to come back the following week to finish my painting without any additional charge.
This made my free-spirited self so happy! Not only could I finish the painting, but I found out that the free concert at the Promenade at Sagemore was a recurring event every Wednesday night starting at 6:30 pm! Moreover, by the way, 50% of the $10 price goes to a charitable cause: Project Backpack.
I returned the following week, and while I painted, I listened to a band playing fun hits from the 60’s and 70’s era. It was an enjoyable evening with a beautiful sunset, and I was surrounded by many people who were there to enjoy the free concert, shop, and live in the moment.
If you are looking for something to do on a Wednesday night and feel like getting out of the house, I can vouch that this family-friendly free concert is worth the drive, and if you feel like it—so is the opportunity to adorn your walls with art that you created!
