With a welcome break from the recent heatwave, the 124th annual Seminary Picnic wrapped up Sunday, Aug. 3, after three days of tradition, community and entertainment on the seminary grounds in Perryville.
Unlike many years when heat indexes soar into the 90s, this year’s daytime temperatures stayed in the upper 70s to lower 80s, encouraging even more visitors to attend. Organizers noted larger-than-usual crowds throughout the weekend, with thousands of people from Perry County and surrounding areas coming out to enjoy the event.
The Seminary Picnic, held every first weekend in August, has been a summer highlight for more than a century. It offered the same family-friendly attractions that have kept generations coming back. Children spent hours on the carousel, train and other amusement rides, while adults enjoyed bingo, horseshoe tournaments and a full schedule of live music. Homemade ice cream was again a crowd favorite, along with the all-you-can-eat chicken and beef buffet served in the parish hall.
The grounds were alive with activity from Friday through Sunday. Families strolled under the shade trees, classmates held reunions, and friends gathered to catch up. The Catholic Heritage Center, located in the old school building, also welcomed visitors, offering a glimpse into the parish’s long history.
Part of what makes the Seminary Picnic special is its comfortable familiarity. Even as the years go by, the event remains much the same — a comfortable tradition where memories are shared and new ones made.
Those who attended this year agreed that the pleasant weather added to the festive mood, making it easy for people to linger longer, visit more and fully enjoy the weekend.
Planning for the 125th annual Seminary Picnic will take place in the months ahead. Organizers say preparations for an event of this size require months of effort, but they are already looking forward to making next year’s milestone picnic one to remember.
For many in Perry County, the first weekend in August is already circled on the calendar — a time when friends, family and tradition will once again come together on the seminary grounds for the community’s “annual reunion.”
