The River 98.9 & 1250 WLEM Area News
PICNIC IN THE PARK A HUGE SUCESS
By: Cathy Lenze, Picnic In The Park
PICNIC IN THE PARK A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS!
Picnic in the Park was held this past weekend with a great turnout!
The weather for Saturday evening’s events didn’t deter some people from coming out to enjoy the outdoor movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, sponsored by Osram Sylvania and the IEU Local 101. The big tent glowed with kids enjoying their glow necklaces, bracelets, headbands and glasses!
Earlier, students from PennState University were thrilled as they won the Ben Freidl College Night and ended the night with a cookout at the pool.
With the great weather the next day, an estimate of ____ people attended the 2010 Picnic in the Park at Memorial Park. Families enjoyed the a wide variety of vendors that were onsite proving tons of activities, games, drawings, free items, food and just an all around great time!
The outdoor worship service had over 170 attendees enjoying the morning with the local Praise Band and three cases of Bibles were given out, while another 108 people attended the Picnic in the Park 5K walk/run sponsored by Elk County Swim.
The Family of the Year Competition was held at Noon and the winning family was The McManus Family. Families aligned their “Pit Crews” and headed their way through five Nascar themed events Congratulations to the McManus Family who received Pirates Tickets donated by St. Marys Auto Body, trophies and area theme park tickets courtesy of The River 98.9.
Punxsutawney Phil then arrived in his personalized bus for photo opportunities compliments of Straub Brewery. There were lines waiting just to get a glimpse of Punxsutawney Phil and the three gentlemen from the Groundhog’s Club Inner Circle, Tom Uberti, Bill Deeley and Ron Ploucha. Autographed top hats were distributed to all.
The Stoltz Ford Toughman Competition drew a large crowd as the high school students from St. Marys Area and Elk County Catholic competed individually in a series of 10 events. Congratulations to Kyle Schneider who was the overall winner of this competition. Other individual winners include Yost, John Kronenwetter (3rd Place), Robert Rollick (4th Place), Kyle Schneider (1st Place), Kevin Hoy (2nd Place), Jake Geer, Sam Schneider, Zac Brody, Hank Cappiello, and Steve Stoltz.
Four teams participated in the Power Volleyball Championship Games with “RBP” coming out on top.
Children enjoyed Story Time with Clifford who read the book “Clifford Keeps Cool” then handed out 50 free books all provided by the Elk County Rural Reading Project through Dickinson Mental Health Center Children Prevention Services.
The D.A.R.E. golf ball drop had spectators watching from all over park as Police Chief, Todd Caltagarone and Firemen, Dick Heindl along with the turntable operations managed by Eric Hoffman were hoisted up on the Ariel Platform Truck. Over 600 golf balls were dropped in the large ball field and closest ball to the flag belonged to Ashley Steele who won half the proceeds from the fundraiser.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the Kids Power Wheels Cruise sponsored by Russ Hanes Tires Sales & Service. Well over 100 toddlers charged up their power wheels, with each receiving Memorial Park Driver’s Licenses, and then cruised around the park showing off their great vehicles. By standers stood in awe watching the huge smiles on the kids faces!
The great sounds of the live bands filled the air throughout the afternoon. Music was provided by the Elk/Cameron Community Band, Todd Anderson Unplugged, The Rizing Wind band, and SixPak.
Santa and his elves arrived in style by police car and were greeted by kids of all ages! Santa graciously gave over 100 children Letters from Santa, drinks, and prizes.
Over 300 people enjoyed activities at the Community Pool such as a piñata, balloon toss and other events. The winners of the big splash were Alex Moore in the high school and up category and Damon McClain in the Middle school and under category.
The St. Marys Christian Food Bank received over 357 pounds of food and over $820 in monetary donations thanks to the wonderful response from the community.
Congratulations to The Silver Wing restaurant who won the Best Burger in St. Marys contest. Thanks to all restaurants who participated.
A Special Thanks for our entire wonderful zone sponsors who helped to make this event so successful including: St. Marys Auto Body, St. Marys Insurance/Smith Keats Insurance & Emporium Insurance Agencies, Rotary Club of St. Marys, Stoltz Ford, St. Marys Pharmacy, C/G Electrodes, Newell’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, and St. Agnes, Shiloh and First United Methodist Churches.
Thank you to all our fantastic vendors, park and pool staff and in-kind sponsors; Dickinson Mental Health Center Children Prevention Services, The Idea Girl, St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce, Buerk’s Septic Service, Spong’s Sparkle Jons, Groll’s Disposal, Elk Waste Services, and the St. Marys Elks Club.
If you attended this year’s event, please take a few minutes to give us your feedback. Visit www.picnicintheparkonline.com. The Committee will take all comments into consideration as part of our continual effort to make Picnic in the Park the best family, fun festival that it can be!
This family-oriented event was brought to you by the City of St. Marys Police Department, The River 98.9 and the St. Marys Recreation Department. Committee members consisted of: Chief Todd Caltagarone, Cathy Lenze, John Salter, Denny Posteraro, Sandy Buerk, Jason Schreiber, Rachel Schreiber, Wayne Bauer, Amy Cherry, Mary Norton, Greg Snelick, Darlene Thomas, Jeanne Gerber, Mary Ann Hasselman, Billie Jo Weyant, Cindy Cortinovis, Paula Meyer, Lynn Floravit, Sue Huey, Susan Babik, Brenda Distler, Cyndi Schloder, and Betsy Roberts.
Picnic in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, 2011 next year so save the date! Don’t miss out on some more exciting events planned!