Rondo spirit alive and well despite rained-out parade

Bursts of torrential rain showers in the morning canceled the parade, and headliner CeeLo Green of the Goodie Mob was a no-show. But those who ventured out to the 36^th Annual Rondo Days Festival on Saturday were rewarded with a warm but thankfully low humidity afternoon to celebrate St. Paul’s storied, historically Black neighborhood.

The grounds were still puddled and muddy in spots, but the scent of grilled food, sounds of live music and children at play kept the mood light. To close out the event, the entertainment stages came alive with classic hip hop collective Goodie Mob on one stage, and local funk/R&B group the Maxx Band on another. Both groups offered sounds to satisfy the diverse tastes and age range of the Rondo faithful.