Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at Mrs T’s Community Picnic
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SENTINEL PHOTO - Joey Miller, 2, of Ashland celebrates at the ring toss at the Mrs. T's Community Picnic on Oct. 6, 2019.
By Kaylee Lindenmuth | [email protected]
SHENANDOAH – Despite misty weather, the Mrs T’s Community Picnic, in its 14th year, was well attended on Shenandoah’s east end. The event is hosted by Mrs T’s parent company Ateeco, Inc.
”It’s been wonderful,” said Ateeco, Inc., president Tom Twardzik. “We survived the mist, and we had people lined up at the gate at 10:30am, even though we don’t open until 11am.”
“We weren’t sure what the crowds would do with the weather they called for, but people turned out, they’re getting under the tents to eat and be dry,” said Twardzik. “The kids, I never worried about them, I didn’t think they cared if they got wet or not, so they came out to play, which is lovely.”
The event began 14 years ago, Twardzik said, as a way for the company to show appreciation for its hometown.
“It was a way to try to say thank you to the community, and welcome them to know that we’re down here,” said Twardzik. “People may not have realized that, over the 67 years, starting down here on East Centre Street, it grew to the business we are down here at the end of town.”
The date moved into the first weekend of October, to land closer to National Pierogy Day, which is this Tuesday, October 8.
The free-to-attend event featured a DJ, bingo, ring toss, face painting, games, and more. Free food and refreshments were served as well, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and, of course, pierogies.
Pierogy Man was roaming the event as well, dancing among children and teens alike.
“It’s very joyous. People are happy. People are coming out and having a good time, and that’s as good as it’s ever been, every year,” said Twardzik.
Twardzik also expressed appreciation for the company’s employees, who help make the event a success every year.
“They’re working all week, and then they give up their Sunday to come out and do this for everybody to have a good time,” said Twardzik. “It’s a really wonderful thing.”
The event was held at the plant’s parking lot on Herald Road from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
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