The Lake Braddock Community association held its third annual community picnic for Lake Braddock residents at the Ashbourn Community Center yesterday afternoon.
Residents celebrated the end of summer by swimming in the pool, playing basketball, jumping in a moonbounce, and eating barbeque. Local band Moonshadow provided entertainment throughout the event.
The annual picnic began three years ago to celebrate the opening of the renovated community center at the Ashbourn pool. "We had this party as a way to show the community what we built. It was such a hit we've had it every year since," said Amy Gold, a volunteer who helped organize the picnic.
Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
All drinks and snacks, including beer, soft drinks, snow cones, and popcorn, were free. Red Hot and Blue sold barbeque. The moonbounce and inflatable games were sponsored by local businesses.
Reasons for coming varied. "Free beer, frankly," Jane Eberly said, speaking for many adults.
Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Parents of younger children were drawn by the activities for kids. "The kids love the moonbounce," Kim Kennedy said.
Older kids came to socialize and play sports before school starts on Tuesday. "I'm trying to make the best of the last days of summer," Alex Corbett said.
"I didn't have any other plans," Rachel Andrews said. "It's kind of nice saying goodbye to everybody before school starts." Other teenagers skateboarded and played basketball.
The picnic is an opportunity for community organizations such as the Cub Scouts and Lake Braddock Lakers swim team to recruit new members.
"We get to meet people in the community we haven't met before and get the word out that we're here always looking for new swimmers," said swim team parent and volunteer Kareen Lawson.
Participants enjoyed the feeling of community at the picnic. "It's the only event of the of the year that brings the whole community together," Tom Grealish said.
Residents love it so much in fact, they want there to be a few more picnics a year.
"It would have been great if they had done it at Memorial Day so you could meet more people," Kennedy said.
