In a grand display of revelry, Lawrence showed how to properly kick start a summer of fun with the Art Tougeau street party. The event took place the night before the Art Tougeau parade, which featured an array of art cars, live music, and community celebration.

The Hips started the evening off while Lawrencians of all ages suddenly became artists, painting anything on wheels within reach. The crowd got a double dose of accordions on Friday night thanks to back-to-back sets from Olassa and the Kansas City Bear Fighters. Both provided ample reasons for party-goers to cut a rug against the brightly-colored art car scenery. Strangers quickly became friends on the dance floor, and music rang in the air well into the evening.

Words and photos by Fally Afani