Summer picnics are an all ages, informal social gathering bringing people together to share food, casual conversation and deeper connections. Planning the second time around was so much easier and relaxing than the 1st annual picnic. Sort of knowing what to expect, how much food to buy, how many tents, the best set-up for flow, having made friends from the 1st picnic, makes things easier for the planning committee and and our neighbourhood. Our goal this year was to get even more all ages to attend. We upped the word of mouth method of communication, and engaged the families with younger children to tell other families with young kids about the picnic. We encouraged neighbours to tell their neighbours, and ensure they’d have someone they knew at the picnic. Make people comfortable and welcome. Walking into a large group can be an overwhelming experience, so we had name tags and this year included the road (not the address) where people lived, a great conversation starter. Building on last year the people who donated the bouncy castle also brought a smaller bouncy castle for the younger kids, both a great hit! And a neighbour brought her tame chickens in a cage, and also set up a temporary tattoo stand where all ages could choose their tattoo and where to put it! I am so grateful for the Neighbourhood Small Grants wisdom to fund a project for multiple years. Planning a new event is a challenge, not knowing how it will go over. I now really understand the importance of building on traditions and the momentum that comes from starting a project, and keeping that tradition going. The picnic this year built on last year’s with new people attending, new activities that were community initiated, and lots of volunteers. Thank you Neighbourhood Small Grants for your vision.
