Lots of communities have traditional Labor Day weekend picnics. Key West has two.
On Saturday, the Curry Mansion will be the site of a Key West Barbeque with all the fixin's, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. This is a benefit for the Nation's Missing Children's Organization and Center For Missing Adults.
The City-sponsored Picnic In The Park is on Sunday, 1-5 p.m., at Bayview Park. It's all free— everything was donated by local businesses and volunteers. Everyone in town is invited to gather under shady trees and festive tents to feast on hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn, soda, and snow cones for the kids. They can socialize with old friends, meet city officials and political candidates, and enjoy live hometown music on a casual summer afternoon. Organizers suggest picnickers bring beach chairs or a picnic blanket.
The Key West High School band, Conchettes and cheerleaders will again bring back memories for many. The Junior Football League Competition Cheerleading Squad will wow picnickers.
US 1 Radio will be there to broadcast live from the picnic. And everyone will get a chance to see the police horses. The new police dogs have also been invited to do a demonstration of their special skills. And the Police Department will set up to register bicycles.
The best cooks on the island— Key West firefighters, have been invited to grill the 1000 hot dogs and 1200 hamburgers, compliments of Fausto's Food Palace, Rick's Bar, Sloppy Joe's, the Hog's Breath Saloon and the Hampton Inn. Coca Cola donated free sodas and water. Key West Chemical donated picnic supplies. Tony's Seafood Market of Stock Island is bringing all the ice.
City employees, their families and friends have volunteered to serve it all up.
For the Saturday picnic at Curry Mansion, refreshments have been donated by Pepsi and Budweiser. US 1 Radio, 104.1 FM, will be broadcasting live from 11-2 and from 2-6 the Island Boys will be entertaining.
Parents will also have the opportunity to fingerprint loved ones, big and little.
Cool Breeze of Key West will be there supplying cooling tents to fend off the sun and there will be entertainment throughout the day.
Donations from local artists and businesses to be raffled include a beautiful Conch Cruiser Bicycle from Sun-N-Fun of Key West.
A $15 donation for adults 18 and over and a $5 donation for kids 12-18, will include food, drinks, entertainment and fun. Children under 12 are free.