Peanut Rules in Downtown Boca Raton

I knew it was just a matter of time.

I’ve been telling my readers for years about my very intelligent dog, Peanut. What I didn’t tell you is that he has been eying downtown Boca Raton with much enthusiasm.

Just the other day, my wife and I decided to bring him to downtown Boca for the second annual “Meet Me on the Promenade” event.

In a language known only to his “mommy and daddy,” he informed us that he really likes the city and wants to spend more time here.

He has been here before, but has mostly seen Boca Raton from the car window.  Then, last summer, we brought him to Mizner Park for dinner at The Dubliner.  My wife and I both enjoyed fish and chips, and Peanut got his share.  I was amazed at how nicely he took to the visitors strolling along the sidewalks.  He only barked at one person, and was a perfect gentleman to all others.

Peanut thought the “Meet Me” event was terrific.  He said he was sorry that the Friday night part was cancelled because of the bad weather brought about by Hurricane Sandy.  But on Saturday, he really got into it.  (After a while, the sun started to get to him, and he wanted to go home and get a drink from his own bowl.)

Peanut met Downtown Manager Ruby Childers and her daughter, Rebecca, who were riding a cart around the grounds of the festivities.  He enjoyed the continuous live entertainment and the “friends and family” fun.  He was particularly entranced by Bonnie Kaye, who stopped by to talk to us. (Not only did he like her, he gave her a kiss.  Not something he does with just anyone.)

Need I say that Peanut was particularly interested in the Doggie Depot.  Hosted by mod.dog Salon & Boutique, this section was the place to be for dog lovers, with Pet Meals on Wheels, product showcases for pets and owners.

Peanut said he also loved the artists and crafters village hosted by Art Attack. It was a showcase featuring artisans and their distinctive arts and crafts, from paintings, furniture and sculpture to decorative tableware, photography, jewelry, fashion accessories and clothes.

There were also Halloween Happenings.  It’s ironic, but my wife and I bought Peanut a new costume on Friday, but we forgot to bring it. It would have been nice to dress him up – although, frankly, he’s not much on wearing clothes.

We did happen to meet the guy from “Texas Chain Saw Massacre” as he “cut” his way across the festival grounds.

We didn’t get to “Meet Me” in time to catch the Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk that kicked off at 9 a.m.  But we did take part in “Stroll, Shop and Savor Downtown Boca.”  This was a self-discovery tour of everything along the Downtown Promenade and the areas that it connects with.

While we were strolling, we noticed Tony Stewart’s Office Depot NASCAR show car.  Someone started it up and revved it loud, causing Peanut a bit of concern.  He’s not really into cars – except to ride in them.  I’m sure if they wanted to take him as a passenger, he would have obliged.

Not far from the NASCAR car were interactive programming hosted by South Florida Parenting and children’s activities conducted by the Boca Raton Children’s Museum.

We all thought the antique and class car showcase sponsored by the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton was exceptional.  It featured award-winning entries such as a 1959 Cadillac convertible, 1956 Ford Thunderbird, 1939 Cadillac Series 62, 1967 Chrysler Imperial, among others. (I have a soft spot in my heart for Packards, and there was a beautiful ’38 convertible there.)

Peanut walked so much he had sore feet – four of them.  We headed home, but he said he really wants to attend “Meet Me on the Promenade” next year.