Here comes the event you've been waiting for or working toward: The 130th Clarksville Picnic will be held on the grounds of St. Louis Church Saturday, June 28. The book and white elephant sales begin at 9 a.m. Midway activities and the famous family style chicken and ham dinner open at noon. Dinner prices are $12 for adults, $6 for childen ages 5-10 and free for those younger than 5.

More than 1,000 volunteers are needed before, during and after the picnic. Though few receive recognition, all hands are important in creating a successful picnic. People will come from miles around and out-of-state locations. It's a big, fun Clarksville tradition open to all.

George Vanisko is serving as general chairperson along with general co-chairperson John Regnier. Tony Comberiate and Chrissie Day are co-chairing game stands. Each stand then needs a chairperson to coordinate staffing and more. Scott Sokolowski is fast food chairperson. Rick Baker is dinner chairperson and Edna Ballard is the dining room chairperson. Both will need plenty of helping hands.

Marianne Faulstich and Janice Vanisko are coordinating personnel. Money raffle co-chairpersons are Susan Miller and Jeanette Wiebking. Dick King and Don Enright are sponsors. Brad Jones and Chris Feaga are acting as co-directors. Parking will be handled by Frank Sarro and crew.

You'll find one-of-a-kind treasures made in Clarksville, yummy baked goods, plants, all kinds of special items in the 15th annual silent auction and you can enjoy lots of free entertainment. New this year will be Illusions by Vick from 1 to 2 p.m. Musical performers continue into the evening hours.

The next big event after the picnic on my calendar is the July 4 Parade along Great Star Drive sponsored by the River Hill Community Association, but open to all. Participants assemble at the schools at Trotter and Guilford roads and step off at 9:30 a.m. in hopes of escaping the heat of the day.

The parade route runs along Guilford Road and Great Star to the fire station. Pick a shady observation spot and think cooling thoughts for the marchers. Trust me, it's a long uphill trek to the firehouse.

Former River Hill High School Drama students are proving that you can come home again as they return for a special performance of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" in the school auditorium Thursday-Saturday, June 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from this first ever alumni show will go to establish The River Hill Fine Arts Scholarship Fund.

If you did not already get excited and buy tickets, you can still get in. The box office opens 90 minutes before curtain and tickets are only $10. Come on out to enjoy the show and support talented local young people.

Birthdays? We've got birthdays for June. David Hipp turned 12 June 4. His birthday came with a big bang and no electricity. Remember that day? Brother Vincent Hipp turned 18 June 8. He'll be heading off to college soon. Mom Barbara Hipp reports, "They're older, but not ME." Don't worry, Barbara, that sentiment resonates with every mom in town. They grow up so quickly.

Brent Essman loves soccer, math and science. He's been discovering nature and reptiles in his own backyard. His birthday was June 10 and he'll be going to Lime Kiln Middle School soon. Can you believe the kids will all be back in school in less than two months?

Brad Clark's birthday is coming up Sunday, June 29. He'll be 14 years old. Have a great day, Brad. Best wishes to all June birthday celebrants.

When "Aunt" Margaret Walton took Hayden and Sean Kozak to see the Kelly Miller Brothers Circus, they had a great time sitting ringside and riding the ponies, but the big indelible memory was riding Lisa the Elephant. Maybe next time they'll ride the camels.

Their companions were people from Angel's Touch Group Home, in West Friendship. The boys promised to come visit in the summer. Maybe they'll wear big red noses and bring Wendy, the Clown.

Russell, Melissa, Hailey and Joel Sanford have now moved into their new house in Brooks, Ga., near Atlanta. Grandma misses having them here in Clarksville.

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