Civic Center Eats helps break up the summer heat

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DENVER — Civic Center Eats runs through Oct. 6, offering the Downtown community food, fun and festivities through great treats, live music and outdoor games.

City officials say, the appetizing event brings together almost 80 food trucks and carts to help support the Civic Center Park revitalization sponsored by Civic Center Conservancy, a nonprofit organization.

In addition, the event has introduced a significant change this year.

“The biggest difference from last year is the addition of Wednesdays,” said Eric Lazzari, the director of programming and events for the Civic Center Conservancy. “One of the reasons for this change was that the demand was there from the consumer. Also, a number of food carts wanted to take part, and we would have had to say, ‘No,’ to several of them without the Wednesday addition.”

The change certainly seems to have been met with positive results, according to organizers.

“It’s nice that we get to choose from so many different trucks,” said Jill Schneider, a returning foodie. “And it’s really cool that they’re all in one open space like this.”

Carts range from a variety of cultural options, offering Mediterranean, African, Italian and Asian foods. Most entrees range from $6-$16. There are sandwiches, wraps and burgers. They also have dessert trucks that provide sweet treats like ice cream and popsicles – the perfect way to cool off in the summer sun.

“It’s great that we have events like this, especially when they’re outside and if the weather’s nice!” said Jill Collins, another returning connoisseur.

For fun and festivities, Civic Center Eats offers live musical performances from many local bands and solo artists. There are also lawn games. This year it’s Cornhole (or bean bag toss) for family and friends to play together or to help keep the little ones entertained.

“I love events like this,” Collins said. “They really help bring the community together.”

For more information on the Civic Center Park, vendors and music lineups, please visit: http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org/event-civic-center-eats-2015_88.html

If You Go

Where: Civic Center Park

When: May 3, 2016 – Oct. 6, 2016 (excluding Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 6)

Days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Entrees range from $6-$16.

* Free bus rides on the 16th Street Mall to the Civic Center Station.

** Seats in the shade are available, but prepare for the sun!