By James Day
The 30th anniversary edition of Silverton’s Community Picnic is set for Friday, Aug. 25.
Events for the 5 to 8 p.m. soiree will be held in Coolidge McClaine Park and the Silverton Community Pool.
“It’s just a great time to get together,”said Dodie Brockamp, executive director of the Silverton Senior Center, the lead organizer for the event.
“People of all ages and demographics are there. A lot of groups get involved, and it provides good fellowship for the community.”
The 30 years of the event have been continuous. The picnic was even held during the COVID years.
“We tried because it was something people could do outside,” Brockamp said, although attendance, normally in the 400 to 500 range, dwindled to 50 to 100 during the pandemic years.
The Senior Center has been doing outreach to local nonprofits and service clubs, and many have come forward to handle individual pieces of the picnic.
“It’s so community-based,” Brockamp said. “It would be nice to get even more groups involved.”
And everything is free: the picnic dinner, Bingo, family photos, swimming, a cake walk, games for all ages, and community resource tables.
Events include:
• Dinner, provided by the Silverton Kiwanis Club, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Music by the Silverton Ukulele Network runs from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Bingo, provided by the Silverton Senior Center, will be played from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Swimming, hosted by the YMCA, is free for families from 7 to 8 p.m.
• Free family photos will be taken from 5 to 7 p.m.
• After dinner there will be an ice cream social provided by the United Methodist Church.
Brockamp said the picnic is still is seeking volunteers to assist with the various activities. For more information or to assist, call the Silverton Senior Center at 503-873-3093.
In addition to the Senior Center sponsors include the City of Silverton, the Silverton Kiwanis Club, Silverton Area Community Aid and the Silver Falls Family YMCA.
