“PICNIC IN THE PARK” FUN FOR ALL AGES
Our 12th annual Waynedale “Picnic in the Park” was a great success again this year. The rain did not keep us away to prepare and held off for the day. Starting at 10 am the sign-up booth was ready to sign everyone up for door prizes. Those that sign up were qualified for free door prizes donated and bought for all ages. The muddy areas hindered us some but fortunately the kids did not mind at all and though some of the areas got a little slippery we fortunately had no problems.
Children’s games with 7 different choices to play and win free prizes for ages 0-13 years. The Moonwalk and Titanic were great fun and challenging for some children along with the large rock wall by the National Guard. We had fun times at the craft tent making key chains, decorating foam visors and more. Balloon makers granted wishes by making animals, hats, and many other items. Face painters from Sweetcakes and Masters of Cosmetology did a wonderful job in their designs on the children’s faces. This year the children’s train rides had to be designated to the street area only due to wet ground but the train lights and whistle made it so entertaining for the kids. Most of the children that visited the FOP booth were fitted for free bicycle helmets and approximately gave out 378 total. Then across the street the Masons did have free safety testing and fingerprinting for the kids.
There was bingo for the adults and older children with great fun playing a minimum of 5 games and winning free prizes always a hit. Everyone listened to great music all day by the D.J. with guitar music played by a young lady which entertained us all. Announcements were made throughout the day and we had many of the vendors give away prizes too.
Finally the food tent started at 11 am with some donated food and some purchased. Pizza from Papa Johns and Pizza Hut delivered at different times to keep it hot. Of course the hot dogs, chips, salsa, fruit snacks and cookies were very tasty. Cake, cupcakes, and ice cream cups were then handed out for over an hour to keep our sweet tooth happy. Water and juice pouches handed out routinely to the thirsty ones all day.
This year we gave out 2 extra gift certificates to those 13 and under from their “tags” drawn at the end of the picnic. The first girl was a 3 yr. old named Veronica B. and another was 9 yr. old T. Tonkel both won $50 gift certificates to Toys R Us. They both reside in Waynedale and loved the picnic.
The tally that actually signed in this year were: 345 girls and 346 boys from ages 1-17 years old. And with the signed in adults: Women at 394, Men at 174. However there are many people that walk into the park and do not sign in. Our many volunteers (over 50 people) usually are too busy to officially sign in too. Wayne Township Trustee Office has several people come ever year to assist us to give community hours of service. Vendors, churches and helpers are counted overall that gives us hundreds more. Our estimate is always that and we feel the total could have been approximately 1500 people. So, you can see the picture of all of us together that we love Waynedale and support our community.
Thank you for all that donated, purchased items, volunteered and worked so hard to make our picnic in the park a success. This year we did not collect the amount as years past but we still had a great day! Please, remember that this is a very special day but cannot take place without the funds and volunteers. We wish to thank the Parks Department for their assistance as usual.
Thank you,
Beulah Matczak and Cheryl Connett
Picnic Committee
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