UPDATE: The county’s 10th annual Friendship Picnic, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 24, is canceled due to a forecasted weekend storm. The picnic was to be held at Wheaton Regional Park from noon to 5 p.m.
ORIGINAL: The county’s 10th annual Friendship Picnic takes place Sunday, Sept. 24 from noon to 5 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park, located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton.
The picnic brings together people of diverse cultures and faiths to make new friends and to discuss ways to build a stronger community. The free event includes options for traditional, Kosher, Halal and vegetarian lunch. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities including music, dancing, moon bounce, face painting, carousel and train rides on the park’s miniature train.
There will be opportunities for small group conversations to discuss how to peaceably and respectfully move toward a nonviolent community.
“Our Friendship Picnic is an opportunity to come together, find common ground and community … I encourage people of all ages to attend this annual event,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich in a statement.
Free parking and shuttle service is available to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and Athletic fields located at 11717 Orebaugh Avenue. The shuttles will run every 15 to 20 minutes.
Attendees do not need to bring food or drink to the event. All will be provided. There is no need to register in advance to attend.
This free event is an initiative of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence. The group works works to eradicate acts of hate and intimidation through community education, advocacy, collaboration and legislation.
For more information call 240.777.8450.
Photo courtesy Montgomery Parks taken by Tony Ventouris.
