Ribbon Cutting on the New Rooftop

Although it was too early for the stars, the sun warmed the faces of the crowd at the Rooftop Terrace ribbon cutting as City staff and residents filled the terrace for the first First Friday Deck Party.

With palm trees swaying in the breeze, Mayor Susan Hoffmann gave a short and spirited speech to mark the grand opening. Describing the Town Center, she stated that they wanted to create “a place people are proud to show off as the heart of their community.”

Explaining that he had as much to do with creating the Terrace as anyone, she then invited former Mayor Larry Giammo to join her and City Council members Piotr Gajewski, Phyllis Marcuccio, and Anne Robbins to cut the big red ribbon.

The Terrace is the “icing” on this Town Center “cake”. The open, modern design faces west for sunset viewing. Guests crowded along the railing looking down on the Town Square which looked just like the development plan sketches. Now it’s real.

Gordon Biersch provided the hot and cold food including delicious brownies for dessert, plus, of course, their Rockville-brewed beer. Attendees are proofed upon exiting the elevator on the sixth floor and given wrist bands to be able to purchase alcohol. My sons couldn’t believe that I was getting a wrist-band and they weren’t since usually it’s the other way around!

The band, Sons of Pirates, played a familiar beach, pop sound, and even one canine guest was dancing with a friend. Although enjoyable, the sound level of the band was loud and required people to yell. Honestly, you could hear the music just fine down on the street, so I question this venue and event for a full band. Even though I like the scheduled performers and my philosophy has always been “the louder the better”, at this event people wanted to talk, catch up, and network but socializing was difficult. The event was a cocktail party at a concert and unfortunately this just didn’t work. Next month one of my favorites, Leaving, TX is playing, so come prepared to rock.

With free admission, live music, and a contemporary setting, the First Friday Deck Parties are a very welcome addition to our recreation options. For the price of a drink, you can have a fun time above the Town Square. While attending, you can stop down at VisArts on the second floor and meet the artists working in their studios and view the gallery exhibits. The new VisArts TOO gift shop is open at the ground floor entrance. HearArts performances start at 7:30 PM. All of these options add up to a full evening with something to appeal to everyone.

The Rooftop Terrace is a rental space for family and group events. Plans can include the VisArts spaces on the second floor. Arrangements can be made through the Rockville Civic Center Office.