St. Peters Old Tyme Picnic in
July
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Old Tyme Picnic more than Great Food
Outstanding weather and favorable crowds combined to give local residents one of the best Old Tyme Picnics ever. Crowds for the three-day event were estimated between 25,000 to 30,000 people. Even a brief shower Friday evening didn't keep picnic goers away. St. Peter's police officers said there were no incidents to report and that things went even better than anticipated.
Food and game vendors all reported terrific sales and an enthusiastic turnout. All of these are non-profit and for many of them, this is their main fundraiser of the year.
The only event at the picnic that was not free was the Saturday night tractor pull. It included approx. 60 tractors and 20 trucks that huffed and puffed their way into the souls of all those watching, as they let it all hang out while attempting to win their individual events.
The most popular musical entertainment easily had to be Butch Wax and the Hollywoods. Their performance Saturday night kept the crowd dancing until midnight at the main pavilion. It's estimated more than 10,000 attendees came through there that night to hear and see them play & sing. R&B, Blues and Rock also kept the crowds moving to the music throughout the picnic. "There was something for everyone", said one unidentified picnic goer, who said she spent most of her time just dancing and having a great time. Even younger kids were seen swaying and bopping to the rhythm while their parents looked on approvingly.
And if dimples, curls, big eyes and shy smiles are your soft spot, the baby contest was where you wanted to be. This was the third year for judging all the beautiful babies on their cuteness and it was no easy job. Prizes, gift certificates and gift bags were enjoyed by all. Organizers are hoping for even more participation next year.
A variety of craft booths were also to be found for those wanting to take home a locally produced treasure or souvenir. Most crafters were happy with their sales volume and planned to return next year.
If mouthwatering food was your real agenda, then this was definitely the place to be. Kernal Korn, fresh potato chips made on the spot, flavorful bratwurst and more greeted those who came with hearty appetites. And none left disappointed or hungry.
A carnival midway was there for the young and the young at heart. Kids of all ages were seen excitedly dragging their parents from ride to ride and couldn't seem to get to any of them fast enough. Lines were relatively short and certainly fast moving.
Many local clubs and organizations were there to show off their displays of threshers, tractors, cars and other equipment. Young and old eyes alike got pretty big as they listened with fascination to old-timers tell their stories of "how things used to be".