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05/22/2012 12:00 AMWith Memorial Day just days away, the Guilford Keeping Society is gearing up for its ninth annual Memorial Day Picnic.
Several fun events are planned for the picnic and event Co-Chair Barbara Johnson urges all residents to head to the Medad Stone Tavern on 197 Three Mile Course following the annual parade.
"It's a very wholesome, family oriented good time," she said. "We encourage everyone to come because it's a very fun time with little commercialism."
The yearly event typically draws an exceptional crowd, with families, friends, and individuals gathering to relax and enjoy the holiday. From live music to farm animals, there's something for every resident to enjoy.
Live entertainment has proven to be a significant draw for the crowd.
"Lots of people bring their families and bring lawn chairs and blankets and hang out because we have a live music group called Emily and the Tritons and Emily and her crew are Guilford High School graduates," said Susan Gillie, publicity chair for the society.
The event is being sponsored by the Guilford Food Center, with hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, and water for sale. Residents are given the choice to buy food, with proceeds going towards the society, or bring their own snacks and meals.
One thing is for sure: Children will not be bored. Egg toss races, three-legged races, and sack races are just a few of the options the youngsters will have. Always a crowd pleaser, farm animals will be back in the mix-as well as a new "animal."
"This year is very special in that we have the mechanical cow that the kids will be able to milk," Johnson said, though she noted the more traditional animals have a growing fan base.
"We have the mammoth donkeys that are getting better known in town...They are rescue donkeys and they are as big as a horse," Johnson said. "This year [kids] will be able to take rides for a fee."
Rounding out the petting zoo will be llamas and baby goats and other animals, as well.
Johnson, who has been a co-chair alongside Bob Donahue for nine years, said there is no fee to enter the picnic, but residents are encouraged to make a donation to the Guilford Keeping Society.
Also offered will be tours of the historic tavern, which was built in 1803. Non-profit organizations will also be on site.
At the very end of the picnic, the anticipated blueberry pie-eating contest will take place. Johnson attributes the success of the event to all the volunteers who contribute to take part in the fun-filled, four-hour picnic.
"Bishop's donates the pies, which we feel very grateful for," she said. "The fact that the Good Center, Bishop's, the farms, and all the volunteers help out, it's really astounding."
The picnic kicks off Monday at 11 a.m. following the town's parade and runs until 3 p.m. Honoring Memorial Day, Troop 62179 will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at noon. Plenty of space is available at the site, with additional parking at Cox Elementary School.