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THE PARISH PICNIC IS ON! Annual Event Returns in July, Offering FOOD, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
Last year was the first and hopefully, last time that our beloved Parish Picnic did not take place since its beginnings as a parish tradition decades ago. So, we are especially happy to announce that on July 17, we will welcome parishioners and community members to the annual Parish Picnic for an evening of fun and social time. Mass begins at 4 p.m., with the picnic activities immediately following. The events usually wrap up at midnight.
For about 15 years, Jackie Dreyer has enjoyed every minute of working on this annual event. She says she was looking forward to the 2020 event, especially since the 2019 Parish Picnic had been cut short due to rain. Thus, the anticipation will make the 2021 Parish Picnic even more exciting.
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“This is just a great event to get the community together and showcase our church,” Jackie says. “The community can come out and see what we do.”
The Parish Picnic planning committee has two goals — to have parishioners get to know one another while having fun and to raise money to support St. Anthony of Padua Parish.
“The main thing is to have this be a social event, though,” Jackie says. “On average, we raise about $28,000 as part of this event.”
The Parish Picnic features a children’s area with train rides, a craft area, a bounce house, and a variety of games with prizes. There is also plenty of food and entertainment for all. For adults, there’s the favorite Horse Poop Bingo, the Over and Under stand, the silent auction, poker, cash raffle, and alcohol sales. There’s also a quilt raffle, with the prize quilt being handmade by the women of the Quilters Ministry.
“I just really love seeing all the people out having a good time,” Jackie says. “I hear a lot of people say that it’s just not summer without the St. Anthony Picnic. It’s one thing they look forward to every year.”
Jackie is thankful that one of her daughter’s teachers recommended she get involved all those years ago. She enjoys overseeing this event and wants to thank all the parishioners who generously give of their time and talent to make the Parish Picnic a success.
“Everyone can get involved and give of their time as part of stewardship,” Jackie says. “It’s what we are here for. Just try to help wherever you can, and it can all get done.”
Jackie also credits her husband, Junior, for all of his help and dedication to the Parish Picnic.
After a canceled Parish Picnic in 2020, seeing people this summer will make for an even better event in 2021! All are invited to come out and have a good time at the Parish Picnic on July 17. We hope to see you there!
We are happy to announce that on July 17, we will welcome parishioners and community members to the annual Parish Picnic for an evening of fun and social time.
