As summer kicks off, we are gearing up for our Annual Parish Picnic here at Ascension!
“It’s an informal gathering in which parishioners have the opportunity to eat, socialize, and play together,” says Beth Kathol.
This year’s Parish Picnic will take place on July 19 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a large outdoor tent sent up outside of the Parish Center building, along with seating inside the Parish Center. As usual, parishioners are invited to bring a side item as it is a potluck-style picnic, with hot dogs and burgers provided by the Knights of Columbus. Parishioners are also invited to bring cakes for the cake walk room.
“Anyone unable to bring an item for the potluck has no need to worry — there is always plenty of food,” Beth says. “There is even a traditional ice cream truck that drives in with free ice cream for all attendees, which is sponsored by the Ladies of Ascension.”
While there will be plenty of food to enjoy, the event also features plenty of fun and games for all our parishioners.
“There are many activities such as a silent auction, Bingo, cake walk, outdoor games, a bounce house, face painting, spin-the-wheel, and the Knights of Columbus may be adding cornhole,” Beth says.
The bounce house, face painting, and outdoor games are all free. Spin-the-wheel and the cakewalk are about 50 cents to play, Bingo costs $5 for a card to play with the entire time, and there is the Silent Auction with numerous items for bidding.
“The Parish Picnic is a great opportunity for all the members of Ascension and guests to get together outdoors and indoors to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship,” Beth says. “It is also about getting to know the family that maybe sits in the pew in front of you at church, playing with your kids and grandkids, and just enjoying all the blessings God has bestowed on us.”
Last year there were around 350 attendees, and Beth hopes to have even more people come out this year.
“I love greeting and visiting with everyone,” she says. “When I walk around and see grandparents playing lawn games with their grandchildren, parents joining in the cake walk with their kids and all ages anxiously hoping to get a ‘bingo,’ my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for all of God’s gifts and the gift we have in each other as members of Ascension Catholic Church.”
For information about this year’s Parish Picnic, visit www.ascensionbismarck.org.
