FRYBURG, Pa. (EYT) – The St. Michael Church of Fryburg Annual Labor Day Picnic will be held on Monday, September 7, 2015, on the parish grounds at 18765 Route 208 in Fryburg.

The event will be held rain or shine as it is under cover. Plenty of outdoor seating will be available on the grounds for visiting and sharing.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. – Dinner ticket sales will open. Dinner tickets are also available for purchase in advance at the parish rectory office. Call the rectory at 814-354-2467.

11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – The traditional all-you-can-eat chicken and ham dinners will be served, featuring homemade noodle soup, breads, and desserts. Take-outs will also be available. Dinner prices are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.

11:00 a.m. – Grounds will open featuring games of skill and a chance for all ages to win. Booths include a Chinese auction, baked goods, candy, and great prizes for the children. A cornerstone attraction is the quilt booth. Handmade quilts, donated by members of the Rosary Society of St. Michael Church, will be awarded in drawings held throughout the day. A concession stand will also be open for lighter fare, including hot dogs and beverages.

12:00 p.m. – Called number games will begin in the upper floor of the social hall and will continue throughout the afternoon.

5:00 p.m. – Labor Day Loot grand prizes will be drawn.

The featured prizes are as follows:

• Five $1,000.00 cash prizes
• 6th Prize: $500.00 Cash from St. Michael’s Rosary Society
• 7th Prize: $200.00 Savings Account – First United National Bank – Fryburg
• 8th Prize: 2 Seater Picnic Table – Lander’s Inc. – Lucinda
• 9th Prize: $100.00 Gift Certificate – Comet Food Warehouse #12 – Clarion
• 10th Prize: Metal Welcome Sign – Tractor Supply Company – Clarion

The Labor Day Loot tickets will be available on the grounds, or in advance at the church rectory, or at various local businesses.

For more information, call the parish rectory at 814-354-2467.

History of the Labor Day Picnic

On July 23, 1898, Father August Hoeing became pastor of St. Michael Church. Early in his pastorate, he began the now famous Labor Day Picnic. It was held in the Ginkel hickory grove, and food was then the main attraction.

The women of the parish provided baskets of chicken, cookies, cakes, and pies. Tables were set up in the grove, and food was served from the house. A few stands sold fancywork and trinkets, but the most often remembered was the stand selling bologna.

A large pavilion was built for dancing, and Peter Ginkel, playing a handcrafted violin, often provided the music.

Eventually, the crowd swelled, and the grove became too small. The picnic was moved to its present location adjacent to the parish hall.