More than 300 expected for Community Center's 2nd annual picnic Aug. 18

More than 300 expected for Community Center's 2nd annual picnic Aug. 18

Aug. 5, 2018
A free lunch, accompanied by various activities and entertainment, is slated for the Westside Community Center Saturday, Aug. 18 from noon to 3 p.m.
This will be the second year for the Community Picnic. It will offer a "fun-filled family environment," including

An opportunity for bubble creativity was one of the activities at the 2017 Westside Community Picnic.
Westside Pioneer file photo

hot food, games, a magician, face painters, raffle prizes, community booths and a return of the 1995 Buena Vista School time capsule, according to Community Center marketing coordinator Aundrea Fuller.
       In addition, she said musicians are welcome to bring string instruments to play with the Black Rose Acoustic Society. The not-for-profit organization organizes weekly jam sessions with musicians at the center, asking a small donation in return.
       The inaugural picnic last August was even more popular than expected, attracting some 250 people and prompting the center's staff and volunteers to round up additional bratwursts and hotdogs for the barbecue. This year “we'll be ready for 350 to 400 people,” Fuller said.
       Owned by Colorado Springs Parks and operated since 2010 by an outreach arm of Woodmen Valley Church, the Westside Community Center uses the former Buena Vista property, a full block in size, at 1628 W. Bijou St.
       A change in the layout for this year's picnic will put more of the activities on the east and south sides of the property, Fuller said. Off-street parking is available in the lot that's accessible from 17th Street.
       In case of rain, activities can be moved indoors.
       Staff and volunteers decided last year to start offering an annual community picnic to help promote the center and its activities to the Westside, according to Fuller. The facility is open five days a week and some Saturdays. The schedule includes classes, programs, displays, services, group activities, community meetings, a food pantry and occasional special events.

Westside Pioneer article
(Community: Westside Community Center)

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