Revelers at St. Andrew’s Picnic Celebrate Differences, Commonalities

Claiming a shady spot under a towering tree, the Sawyer family of Romeoville dug into a lunch menu Sunday that included Filipino-style noodles, Mexican fare and the American ballpark standby, hot dogs.

“I’ve been craving these noodles for years,” said Claudia Sawyer, sitting in the grass with her husband, Dan, and their three children, Duncan, Claudia and Veronica.

The family was one of dozens to share food, games, entertainment and fellowship at parish picnic in Romeoville.

With a flock that has its roots in several different cultures and traditions, the picnic was an opportunity to celebrate those backgrounds and learn about neighbors’ and fellow parishioners’ ethnic roots and customs.

Under one tent was a table laden with prizes for the best players of Spanish bingo. Nearby, Rosa Palacios, a Bolingbrook stylist, offered haircuts, with proceeds to go to the church.

The stage featured performances by Ballet Folklorico early in the afternoon. Later, the Polish Highlander Dancers were expected to take the stage.

The crowd also enjoyed pony rides for the children and a display of several cars, courtesy of the Lemont Classic Car Club, for automobile aficionados. The was on hand with emergency equipment displays.

In the food area, picnickers could choose from hot dogs, nachos and snow cones. On the more exotic side, there was Nigerian and Filipino food. For those who prefer Polish cuisine, there were Polish sausage, potato pancakes, roast pig, sauerkraut and pierogi.

Among several organizations with representatives at the picnic was the Romeoville Humane Society. The animal welfare group brought along at least five animals, available for adoption that were recently rescued from a Bolingbrook puppy mill, where they had been abused.

For many of the animals rescued, there has been a happy ending.

“Most of them have been adopted,” said Jill Aikin, the society’s president, who accepted a $150 donation from the Bishop Kaffer Council 10944 of the Knights of Columbus during a 1 p.m. on-stage presentation.

Marc Camden, treasurer of the Kaffer Council, served as assistant chairman of the picnic.

The Knights also presented St. Andrew the Apostle Church with several donations, totaling $1,310, for church programs and improvements.

Marta Wysocki, the parish coordinator of Polish ministries, served as picnic chairman.

“We’re one community,” she said. “We’re just together to celebrate in this gorgeous place on this gorgeous day.”

“Thank God, God gave us a great day for a wonderful picnic,” said the Rev. Gregor Gorsic, pastor of St. Andrew’s, who sportingly agreed to spend some time in the dunk tank.  “We come together and have a nice day together. Everyone’s welcome. It’s for everyone.”