Happy New Year! Thank you for sticking around through yet another year at aGuyOnClematis.
For this year's wrap-up, I decided to pick out a single image for each month, and then group that with a couple of the highlights for that month. So much happened over the last 12 months, it was a challenge to pick out the highlights, but I think you'll enjoy them.
Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing you on Clematis St. in 2012!
Aaron
Clematis Street in 2011 – A Pictorial Review
January started with a bang! We got our first look at Leaping Lizards, the new indoor playhouse on the 500 block. World of Beer started feverish construction work on the 100 block. Restless Heart & Amber Leigh played Sunday at the Waterfront. To promote the “Cowboys on the Waterfront” month, a herd of cattle was driven up Clematis Street.
In February, the Mayoral race kicked into high gear, with 4 candidates facing off in debates around the city. Duffy’s starts work on the new space on the corner of Olive and Clematis Street. Super Car Super Show was free for the first time this year, bringing thousands of auto enthusiasts to the waterfront. Waterfront Celebration on the 1st anniversary of the opening of the waterfront features Chili Cookoff, The Motowners, and Mayor Lois Frankel arriving in the original Batmobile. For those who miss the snow, the Redbull Buttercup brings snowboarders to West Palm Beach!
By March the season in full swing. The Palm Beach Boat Show takes over the waterfront! Within a week of each other, Duffy’s and World of Beers open their doors. Pioneer Linens hosts a Table Linens Fashion Show with Kim Seybert. The Blind Monk has it’s Grand Opening. And after months of campaigning Jeri Muoio is voted in as the next Mayor of West Palm Beach.
In April, the deal with Digital Domain and FSU moving into West Palm Beach gets closer to reality with the signing ceremony. On the Waterfront, the E4 Sustainability Summit is held to promote the City of West Palm Beach’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Sunfest brings Ceelo, Sublime w/ Rome, Jason Mraz, MGMT, Jeff Beck, Earth Wind & Fire, Sick Puppies, Gregg Allman and many, many others to the Waterfront.
In May we see a trainer at Ultima Gym spin for 12 hours to raise money for AIDS awareness. Lois Brezinski artworks comes to the 500 block. Screen on the Green showing of Tangled brings a massive crowd. While Maine Cottage furniture store clears off Clematis St., there are rumors that Five Guys will be coming, World of Beer Clematis Celebrates it’s Grand Opening bringing it's collection of 500 beers and fantastic energy to Clematis Street.
In June, the space formerly used by the Maine Cottage is up for grabs in the Great Shop Showdown. AVID store opens in the Comeau Building and work begins on “The Wine Dive” in the neighboring space on the 300 block. The Downtown Development Authority and Danny Vega start the One Night Stand Open Mic Night downtown.
Longboards, which has been under construction for the past 5 months opens with a wild Grand Opening in July, which features a block party on the 500 including retro cars and a half-pipe for skateboarders. 4th on Flagler features a great fireworks show and the hot new band Hot Chelle Rae. Bastille Day is celebrated on Clematis Street. As part of the Great Shop Showdown a Popup Boutique comes to the 200 Block. Work continues on the future home of the Palm Beach Dramaworks. Off the Hookah celebrates it’s first anniversary party with Camels on Clematis St.
In August, Work starts on Fuku and Kabuki, two new Asian Restaurants coming to Clematis. Shoe Shine Willy gets an awesome new chair. Edwin McCain thrills crowds at his show at Sunday at the Meyer! The strangest visitor to Clematis St. has got to be the man who was arrested for running down Clematis St. in the buff.
In September Home World, just off Clematis St. closes making way for an Frozen Yogurt bar. Doner Pocket a German fast-food restaurant and Global Perspective School open in the Clematis area. As work starts on the Five Guys location on the 300 block we get the first news of yet another pizza place, Grimaldi’s coming to Clematis St. The 10th anniversary of September 11th is observed with the Freedom 5k Run.
In October, Habatat Coffee opens up in the Habatat Gallery. The Green Market is BACK for yet another season, accompanying the greenmarket is the Antique Flea Market. Velocity Cycling moves from the 500 block to Olive. Occupy Palm Beach moves onto the waterfront, they later move to Banyan. The new sign goes up at the new Don and Ann Brown Theatre. Clematis by Fright brings lots of characters to the waterfront. Ginger’s Dance Party continues to Rock Clematis street with fantastic free dance parties.
The South Cove Nature Area starts work on the broadwalk in November. Kabuki kicks off with a fabulous Grand Opening and gives everyone on Clematis a taste of their great Asian Fusion menu. Work on The Don and Ann Brown Theatre is completed, and the Theatre opens with Palm Beach Dramaworks presentation of “All My Sons”. Work starts on the creation of Sand Castles which are part of the Sand and Sea Greetings theme on Clematis Street. Roxy’s Pub celebrates their 3rd annual Beerfest on the Rooftop Bar. Victoria Philips Wine Shop & Academy Opens. The Clematis Street Veteran’s Day Parade includes Veteran & Congressman Allen West on his bike.
December gets off to a running start with the Palm Beach Marathon festival. The trees are lit up on the waterfront, turning it into a winter wonderland. 2nd Annual Holiday Horsefest, brings a world-class equestrian show to the Meyer Amphetheatre. The Sand Castles that are scattered down Clematis St. and across the waterfront to give a festive feel to the downtown area. The City shows off their fleet of new electric cars. Polar Express returns to Clematis Street, bringing Santa, Santa’s workshop, and performances from the Suzuki School of Music. Santa Con brings over 100 pub-crawling Santas to Clematis Street. The Wine Dive opens on the 300 block. Happy New Year! West Palm Beach goes into 2012 with a fantastic fireworks display!
