Saturday, July 27 was sunny and warm, the perfect day for a Free Community Picnic with lawn games and music, and what a great picnic it was for the approximately 175 participants!

The Rockland Public Library & WRFR Community Radio would like to thank the many volunteers and businesses that helped to make it such a special day:

Thanks go to City Manager Tom Luttrell and the Public Services Department for providing extra picnic tables and a grill, to the Library for the lawn games and giant bubbles, Jessica Fratello at the Good Tern Co-op for the delectable coleslaw, Beth’s Farm Market for the early sweet corn, Wasses for the hot dogs, Hannaford for cups, the First Universalist Church in Rockland for use of their kitchen, and Rockland Food Service for plates. Maynard Stanley’s Beanhole Beans and kettle corn demonstrations were a huge hit and we are so grateful to him for the donation of his time and wonderful food.

Music was a big part of the day thanks to Ukes Rock, Dusty and Joanna and Friends, Miners Creek, and Mike Fletcher on the saxophone.

Thanks to WRFR's Kirk Gentalen, who assisted Maynard Stanley on the kettle corn, and WRFR's Chuck Gifford who served as grillmaster, and all-around volunteers Gabe Barter, Peter Lehman, and Rockland Librarian Jessie Blanchard. Rockland Parks and Recreation Committee and Renew Rockland shared information, served yummy zucchini lemon cake, and showed people the Community Farm. Special thanks go to Mike Grondin for all of his behind the scenes assistance.

Community is essential and we’re happy to have shared in such a big expression of it through the third Annual Community picnic. Here’s to many more picnics and community gatherings!

Patty King, Rockland Public Library

Jo Lindsay and Joe Steinberger, WRFR