Owego’s VFW and American Legion posts are teaming up again to host the annual Kid’s Picnic. The picnic will be held on Aug. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Marvin Park, next to the fairgrounds in downtown Owego. The picnic is open and free for all school age children and the adults who accompany them.
This year, 40 bicycles will be awarded through a free raffle during the picnic. Local businesses, community organizations, and individuals donated thousands of dollars for the bikes to be purchased. Kids will be able to fill out a free raffle ticket for the bike they want. A drawing will decide the winner of the bike, with no cost whatsoever to the family.
“Kids do not have to pay anything, never have, never will,” said picnic coordinator and VFW Post 1371 member Dave Bensley. “The community really comes together for the kids,” Bensley said, adding, “all school aged kids and younger are welcome to come to this free day of family-friendly fun.”
The annual Kid’s Picnic is a tradition of the Owego veteran community. American Legion Post 401 member and kid’s picnic volunteer Ed Bidwell recalled eating so many hot dog at the picnic when he was a kid that he got sick on the way home. “We just want the kids to come and have a good time like we did, when our fathers ran the picnic for us,” said Bidwell.
There will be lots for everyone to eat besides hot dogs. Several local pizzerias have donated pizza, local grocers have donated refreshments, and there will be cotton candy and other treats for young and old. A clown will provide entertainment, there will be face painting for the youngsters, and a bounce house and hay rides, all free to everyone at the Kid’s Picnic.
Members of VFW Post 1371, American Legion Post 401, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480 prepare all year for the picnic, collecting donations and getting everything ready for any Tioga County school age or younger child.
“We’re all charitable organizations,” Bensley said of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1371, VVA Chapter 480, and American Legion Post 401.
“This is something we can do for kids, and no children will be turned away,” said Bensley.
“Bring your kids down and enjoy a free picnic with the vets,” Bensley added, “we’d love for you to see an example of what your veterans are doing for the community.”
