Smartmom and OSFO packed up two jelly sandwiches and headed to the park for the fifth grade end of year celebration picnic at Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park.

Smartmom and the Oh So Feisty One got there more than an hour before the show started and set up a blanket near friends. The kids, many in their blue fifth grade t-shirts, ran around with fair abandon. The parents, on the other hand, seemed happy to sip wine and beer and engage in wistful conversation.

There was the feeling, to Smartmom at least, that people had already begun to move on. Conversations were about things other than middle school applications, fifth grade activities, and graduation.

With one friend, Smartmom discussed what this transition might mean in terms of continuing friendships. There is, of course, the worry that friendships will fizzle out as the connection to the school fades.

Smartmom knows from experience that with effort (and plenty of it) those who want to will remain friends via monthly dinners, meet-ups for coffee or drinks, phone calls.

At 7:30, the Dixie Hummingbirds, the legendary jubilee gospel quartet, began their set of joyful, spiritual music with many shades of harmony. Stevie Wonder says of them; “they continue to press the envelope with their greatness, linking us to a rich musical heritage that keeps us in-tune and in harmony with the universe and each other.”

Smartmom didn’t know this last night, but Ira Tucker, who had been singing with the Dixie Hummingbirds since 1938, passed away the evening of June 24. He was born in 1925 and performed with the group until the end of his life.

The crowd observed a moment of silence, but up in the hills behind the seats, Smartmom isn’t sure if anyone realized that.

After a brief intermission, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, young black musicians who play the wild string band music of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s and dress the part as well, played raucous and ecstatic music that was wonderfully fun.

Toe tapping, hand clapping, it brought the crowd to their feet. Smartmom even saw some square dancing. Another great night at Celebrate Brooklyn; this one with a bitter sweet twist.

And plenty of wine.