Vets and Active Military – We Want You to Picnic!
Thirty four years ago, a wreath laying was scheduled in Philadelphia’s Center City to honor World War II veterans, in particular those who took part in the Normandy Invasion in 1944. Instead of the 100 people that were expected to attend, more than 1,000 showed up and thus a historic event was born.
In the three plus decades that have followed, as the location of the picnic has changed, so did its attendees. Which is why on Saturday, September 8, 2018, when the 34th Annual Veterans Picnic is held at the Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds in Mullica Hill, it will once again serve to honor and thank all veterans and active military.
“If you just want to come and thank a veteran for their service and enjoy a free event with hot dogs and hamburgers, pulled pork and great entertainment, you are welcome to do so,” said Bernadette Blackstock, whose family farm began housing the picnic in 1991 before it moved on to the Gloucester County 4H Fairgrounds 17 years ago. “We invite all veterans, their families and their friends to join us.”
The Veterans Picnic will run from Noon to 4 p.m. on September 8 come rain or shine. In addition to all the delicious, free food, there will be live entertainment produced by Greg Armstrong, featuring Michael Jones, Daniele Spence, John Morsa, Jay Gentile and Donna Lisa Campbell. There will also be military exhibits and displays, including readings from local author John Campbell’s book, “They Were Ours.”
The picnic also serves as a drop off site for “Socks for Soldiers” (please bring new socks, all sizes) and the Marine Corp. “Toys for Tots” program (please bring new, unwrapped toys for donation).
The Annual Veteran’s Picnic is completely sponsored through donations and the generosity of the 4H Fair Association, Roundtree Farms, the Harrison House, Duffield Farms, Mission BBQ, Glassboro, Greg Armstrong, Michael Jones, Danielle Spence, and many others.
For information please call (856) 579–7561 or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Vetspicnic/.
Event information at NJ Heartland calendar: http://njheartland.org/events-festivals/annuals-veterans-picnic/
