Submitted by Lopez Historical Museum
Come one, come all! If you’re like most people on Lopez, chances are you’ve been on a picnic or two this summer. Whether you have or haven’t, please join us at the Lopez Island Historical Society’s Community Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 11, noon until 3 p.m. We want to celebrate you, our community and make a little Lopez history.
Picnics have long claimed a special place in the community fabric of Lopez. Clam chowder on Spencer’s beach, early Fourth of July celebrations, the first Pioneer Picnic in 1915 — our archives are sprinkled with photos of happy people eating outside together, all that is truly required for a perfect summer day.
In addition to a great afternoon of eating, reminiscing and laughing together, Lopez Time (Larry Cochran, Danny Gilbreath, Ann Palmer, Calvin Lovendosky, Pat Nicely and possible guests!) will be playing some fun old-fashioned songs and leading singalongs for young and old. And because history is what we do here, we’ll have several ways for you to add your stories to the Lopez history book.
Sign yourself or someone you love up for a chance to record a few favorite stories in the Story Corner oral history booth. (Or sign up for a one-on-one interview session later on!)
This year we’ll also be creating a children’s handprint signature quilt, so bring the kids or grandkids to put their mark on Lopez history. The blocks will be turned into a quilt, which will become a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
The museum’s west wall will feature the ongoing “You Are Making History Timeline” begun at our 2014 picnic. We invite all community members to add their own appearance on Lopez to this community document. Someday we hope your great-great-grandchildren’s grandchildren will come to Lopez looking for their family stories. They’ll find your name on our timeline and may discover a treasure trove of your family photos and history in the museum archives.
Bring your own picnic basket or treat yourself to fare that can be purchased from our local food trucks, Poutine Your Mouth and El Taco ‘Bout It. LIHS will provide free water, lemonade and iced tea. Bring your own cups, lawn games, maybe a blanket, even an instrument if you’re so inclined. Mark your calendars for Aug. 11, noon-3 p.m., and join us for some community fun! See you there! The address is 28 Washburn Place, across from Islanders Bank. For more info, contact 360-468-2049, lopezmuseum@rockisland.com or go to www.lopezmuseum.org.
