The annual Montgomery County “Friendship Picnic” will again bring people of many cultures and faiths together to celebrate the County’s diversity. The free picnic, which aims to help people make new friends and build a stronger community, will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Wheaton Regional Park.
Wheaton Regional Park is located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink, and athletic fields, and John F. Kennedy High School will be available.
The event is an initiative of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence (CAHV), which works to eradicate acts of hate and intimidation through community education, advocacy, collaboration, and legislation.
All community members are welcome to attend this free celebration. Registration is not required, and food and beverages will be provided. Attendees do not need to bring anything to participate.
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The event will include various lunch options, such as traditional American, Kosher, Halal, and vegetarian meals. Activities for all ages will feature live music, dancing, face painting, a petting zoo, moon bounces, a carousel, and rides on the park’s miniature train.
In addition to recreational activities, there will be group activities to learn about various cultures, share ideas, and discuss ways to build a peaceful and respectful community through nonviolence.
“This picnic celebrates what makes Montgomery County such a special place to live,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “At a time when too many people are being made to feel unwelcome because of where they come from or who they are, this event reminds us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The Friendship Picnic is an opportunity to share traditions, enjoy great food and music, and strengthen the connections that make our County more welcoming, more resilient, and stronger. I hope everyone will join us in celebrating the many cultures and people who call Montgomery County home.”
The Friendship Picnic is endorsed and supported by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission, and the following County departments, organizations, and partners:
- Alcohol Beverage Services
- BlackRock Center for the Arts
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Department of General Services-Printing Services
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Permitting Services
- Department of Police
- Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions
- Department of Transportation
- International Planning and Development, Inc.
- Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
- Montgomery College
- Montgomery County Branch NAACP
- Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
- Montgomery County Public Libraries
- Montgomery Parks
- Office of Community Partnerships
- Office of Procurement
- Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice
- State’s Attorney’s Office
For more information about the Friendship Picnic, call 240-777-8454.
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To view video from last year’s event, visit the Montgomery County Government’s YouTube channel.
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Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel, jennifer.garfinkel@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-962-1506
Read the original article at mcgov