The Waynedale Community Picnic is celebrating its 15th year! For those who have never attended the picnic or are new to Waynedale, you are in for a treat!
The picnic is a favorite tradition that Waynedale community members look forward to attending each year. The picnic is a free, family-friendly event that feeds and entertains more than 2,000 Waynedale guests.
This year, a huge thank you goes out to The Waynedale News, Circle City Audio, Hanson Aggregates, Yes! Automotive, Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #248 and Robinson Family Eyecare Clinic for stepping up as our overall event sponsors and supporting this time-honored tradition! Along with our overall sponsors, many thanks go out to over 100 local businesses and organizations that have donated and sponsored the picnic in many different ways. Year after year, without the loyal support of the businesses in the area that donate time, talents, prizes, support and monetary donations this “community togetherness” event would not be possible.
As the event coordinator and lead organizer of the picnic, Megan Ryan, special education teacher at Towles Montessori shared, “I am honored to be a part of such a rich tradition here in Waynedale and I’m looking forward to the picnic, once again! As always, it has been a lot of work but it will be worth it to see all the people come out and enjoy a day dedicated just to the community!”
This is Ryan’s third year directing the picnic since it started 15 years ago under the direction of Beulah Matczak and Cheryl Connett. Ryan couldn’t do it alone. Her right-hand gal this year, Maria Sutherland, stepped in to assist in the planning and preparation of the event. “Maria has done a wonderful job, dedicating her time to helping me with all the details and planning that goes into such a large-scale event,” Ryan continued, “I am incredibly grateful to have such a kind and passionate person to help along the way.”
Ryan and Sutherland are excited to be introducing a couple of new features this year. Sutherland shared, “We will be having a Science Exploration Tent this year for children and adults to use their curiosity to explore some different areas of science.” The “Science Exploration Tent” will host many local organizations such as Little River Wetlands, Southwest Honey Co., Going Bats, Sylvan Robotics, and Critter Crew. Also new this year, we will have a local band, Trophy Club, performing live. Get your dancing shoes ready! Trophy Club is ready to rock out with the Waynedale Community. There will also be a guest appearance from local artist, Kevin Hambrick. There’s nothing better than a little live music while you’re enjoying a hot dog and watching the community come together!
The Waynedale Community Picnic encourages guests of all ages to come to enjoy the event. There will be something for everyone to enjoy at the picnic. As always, along with the new additions this year, there will be a free lunch, bingo with prizes, children’s games, face painting, emergency vehicle on display, and many vendors from the area.
Don’t forget! Stop at the registration table when you arrive to receive your meal tickets and information about the day’s events.
Whether you are new to Waynedale or have attended every picnic since its existence, mark your calendars! The 15th Annual Waynedale Community Picnic will be held at the Waynedale Park on August 26 from 10:00am-3:00pm.
If you would like more information regarding the Picnic or are interested in helping to volunteer the day of the event, please contact Megan Ryan at (260) 609-2897 or you can visit the following link: www.waynedale.com/picnic.
AUGUST 26, 2017 AGENDA
10:00am – Doors Open
10:45am – First Game of Bingo
11:00am – Lunch
NOON – Live Band Starts
Emergency Vehicle Tours At Select Times
ALL DAY ATTRACTIONS
Free Lunch & Snacks
Face Painting
Exploration Science Tent
Splashpad Fun
Inflatable Obstacle Course
Music
Kids Games & Prizes
Pinewood Derby Races
Door Prize Signup
Vendor Meet & Greet
Local Mascots
GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Each year, the picnic organizers reach out to the businesses and organizations in the Waynedale area to help put on this free and fun community event! Each and every year, they respond positively and generously! This year, over 100 Waynedale businesses contributed to the 15th Annual Waynedale Community Picnic. Please thank the sponsors by shopping or using their services as they’ve extended themselves to make sure you’ve had a great time at the event.
VENDORS
30 different vendors from around Fort Wayne will be present the day of the picnic to visit with all of the attendees! With all of these vendors in one location and at one single event, this is a great way to hear from many local businesses all at once, and to catch up on what’s new.
