In search of picnic recommendations

This weekend is the annual Seminary Picnic. You know, the place I’ve been told “Where Friends Meet Friends from Everywhere!”
We’ll see about that.
Sad to say, I have not experienced this wonderful cultural phenomenon. However, there is a first time for everything I suppose. This time, the three-day event is coupled with the Perry County’s bicentennial celebration. As if this county needed another reason for a party.
Without ever attending, the St. Vincent de Paul Seminary Picnic weekend sounds similar to something I frequented in my decade or so in Carlinville, Ill. The annual Lions Carnival every September featured fun, kiddie rides (who doesn’t love “The Peanut Wheel” and dunk tank) and games (miniature golf and basketball) for the kids and entertaining games (bingo and the cake wheel) for adults as well as great food for all. Well, that may be where the similarities end.
Admittedly, I am no stranger to the church picnic scene. They tend to have a few commonalities - food, games, friendly conversation and (Hint: it’s always hot) they always take place in the summer. I’ve been to a few in my time, including the annual one at Grace Lutheran Church version held in the picnic grove every Father’s Day. Like many events, it is not like it used to be. This year, it was carry-out food only.
I certainly was looking forward to the much-anticipated fast pitch softball contests that were to be a part of the Trinity Lutheran Church picnic a few weeks back. Unfortunately, the rain proved to be too much that weekend and I was left to settle for a carry-out fish meal, complete with the raw, white onions and pickles, oh, and the potato salad. Can’t forget about that.
I’m looking forward to all that this year’s Seminary Picnic has to offer. The games, and rides, etc. will be a big hit with the youngsters in the Winningham quartet. I’m sure my kids will want to try out the carousel as well as the train. We’ll just have to wait and see what’s all available and what looks enticing or interesting enough for the money. I’ve been told there will be more rides this year because organizers are banking on a big return to picnic festivities in 2021.
Musical entertainment will be another entertainment option. Six bands are set to provide musical entertainment this year ahead of headliner Chris Janson Sunday at 8 p.m. That should be fun. So there’s that.

Did someone say food? I’ll be there for the homemade ice cream, hamburgers, pork burgers, whatever sounds good at the time. I’ve been told there is also kettle-cooked beef, fried chicken, fried fish and barbecue. I’m ready for all of it. Bring it on. I’m sure the other dessert options will be great as well.
The carnival food like funnel cakes, snow cones and corn dogs sounds appealing, too.
Last year’s event was a no-go, as most 2020 happenings pretty much everywhere were. I’m sure the organizers are looking forward to a successful 2021 version.
There are plenty of entertainment options. I’m ready for the picnic and will be taking recommendations from anytime that would like to share them.
Perhaps I’ll even try my luck at quilt bingo. Maybe.
If I don’t get my fill of desserts at the picnic Friday through Sunday, the Missouri Bicentennial committee is encouraging ice cream socials across the state Tuesday, Aug. 10.
The Catalyst Center for Business as well as the Chamber of Commerce are a couple of places planning events for that day with free ice cream.
- Thanks for reading.
Daniel Winningham is the managing editor of the Republic-Monitor. He may be reached by email at editor@perryvillenews.com or by phone at 573-547-4567.