St. Lawrence O’Toole parish picnic to mark 85th anniversary

Nineteen Thirty-Four: Adolf Hitler declared himself the “ultimate leader”. Stalin began his massacres. Mao Tse-Tung spread communist doctrine. Bonnie and Clyde’s career came to an end. Shirley Temple’s “Bright Eyes” captured the world. Donald Duck appeared for the first time.

And in Barry’s Bay, St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish became an official, permanent parish of the Pembroke Diocese under the leadership of Fr. Martin McNamara. (Above St. Lawrence O’Toole old and new churches in 1964. Photo Bob Corrigan) Under Fr. Mac’s guidance and dedication the Parish flourished and grew in stature. In conjunction with his fellow priest at St. Hedwig’s Church, Monsignor Biernaski, he ran education and athletic programs and was instrumental in most endeavours in town, especially the bazaars, picnics, and dramatic plays and comedies.

2019 marks the 85th Anniversary of the Parish of St. Lawrence O’Toole. And what better way to celebrate than with an old fashioned 1934-style picnic?

The Parish Social Committee, with the support of the new Pastor, Fr. Pat Dobec, has been planning the event for months. Picnic admission will be free. Scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019 the event will feature:

• A 1930s Vintage Vehicle
• Live entertainment including local musicians the Kellys, the Etmanskies, the back by popular demand M.V. Minstrels, and the Opeongo Reader’s Theatre performers.
• Hot, sizzling items from the BBQ will be available for purchase as well as freshly made 1934-style sides and candy apples.
• Children will enjoy a Bouncy Castle, potato sack, three legged and egg on a spoon races as well as a contest involving a 5 pound gummy bear.
• A 1934 themed photo booth will be available for that memorable photo
• Themed baskets will be raffled off
• A 1934 Trivia Quiz will test your historical knowledge
• To top it off, an Amazing Silent Auction will be conducted. Some items to be auctioned include a hand crafted “Live Edge” coffee table valued at $1500, a $400 Honda Lawn Mower, a $200 Metro Gift Card, a shiny new child’s bicycle, and many, many more beautiful hand-crafted items and home-baking certificates donated by local artists and craftsmen.

Picnic-goers are invited to dress in 1934 Fashions of the Day. The organizing Committee is excited by the program and gives a hearty

Come one! Come all!