The Wednesday Night Family Picnics started in 1995 with a package of hot dogs, a bag of chips and a few families. It has grown into one of Lakeside’s favorite summer traditions.
The picnic has seen as many as 530 people on a single night. The food is picnic fare, but the real draw is the relaxed setting combined with the spirit of community and fellowship.
With the help of many volunteers, Lakeside Chautauqua’s Children Ministries & Youth Ministries staff (who host the event), as well as individual families, the picnic program has become a great success.
Lakeside invites families and children of all ages to this summer’s first Family Picnic on Wednesday, June 24, at 5 p.m. in Perry Park.
Each picnic begins with music playing, the smell of hot dogs cooking, a huge line stretching to the tennis courts, children playing with bubbles and chalk, and chairs and blankets spread across the park.
The suggested donation is $4 per person, and children age 5 and under are free.
Serving begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until the food runs out. Since there is usually a large crowd at the picnic, please arrive early. Guests are asked to bring their own plates, utensils and a blanket or lawn chair, as picnic table space is limited.
In the event of rain, the picnic is cancelled. The final picnic is Wednesday, Aug. 26.
