Parishioners of St. Lawrence O’Toole enjoyed a 1930s style picnic to celebrate the parish’s 85th anniversary on July 14. There was no shortage of entertainment as the organizing committee arranged for a bouncy castle and games for children, a barbecue, live music, prize draws, raffles, a photo booth, some vintage vehicles, a live performance of local history readings, to mention just a few of the offerings. Good old fashioned fun was the order of the day. Many dressed in ‘30s era clothing for the occasion and took advantage of the old cars and photo booth to capture a memory. Above: Liz Murray and Joanne Olsen pose in front of a 1935 Ford Canadian-built standard sedan driven to the picnic by Ron MacDonald. Meticulously restored and repainted in its original Washington Blue with Poppy Red hand-painted pinstripe, this Ford would have cost $750 new in its day.
The fun-filled afternoon saw families and friends gather for food, music and laughter.
Beth Hildebrandt and Karen Yakabuski; parishioners picknicking on the church lawn
Musical entertainment provided by Kelly and fellow minstrels
Volunteers were out in full force. At left: Emily Mintha, Ashley Burant, Stephanie Mintha running the Photo Booth; Maxine Smaglinski and Cathy Serran serving at the food tent.
Visitors enjoyed the 1930s atmosphere, costumes, cars, numerous games and draws.
Live audience at the recording of parish history by Opeongo Readers’ Theatre heard the Opeongo Podcast Players (from left) Heather Poliquin, Karen Yakabuski, Lois Losole.
The podcast is now available online. You can listen to the St. Lawrence O’Toole parish history episode on either The Opeongo Line podcast or on the Opeongo Readers’ Theatre podcast. Just search on your favourite podcast player app.