More than 250 people are expected to dine and play games at the ninth annual Picnic at Flatwoods Park on June 14.
The picnic is a joint venture of the Ellettsville branch of the Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County Parks and Recreation, and Nutrition Therapy of Indiana University.
Free packed lunches provided by Nutrition Therapy of IU will be available for the first 200 people to arrive. These picnics include an option of a southwest hummus wrap or pesto chicken salad pita as the entrée, jicama slaw or cucumber and onion salad as a side. All lunches come with fruit salad in a waffle cone, yogurt and water. Recipes and literature about the food will be provided as well.
“People rave about (Stacey Matavuli’s) recipes each year,” said Stephanie Holman, community engagement librarian at the Ellettsville branch of the Monroe County Public Library.
A naturalist from Monroe County Parks and Recreation will lead a guided hike through the park at 6 p.m.
“It’s very doable,” Holman said. “It’s called Flatwoods for a reason. It’s a flat trail where the naturalist will point out flora and fauna and tell people what’s there at the park.”
The Girl Scouts of Central Indiana will host a bike rodeo. Some bicycles and helmets will be available for use, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. Riders must wear a helmet. The Girl Scouts will be taking canned and boxed food donations for local Pantry 279.
In total, 10 booths will lead games and activities and distribute information.
“We use the entire Flatwoods Park,” Holman said. “We use all three shelter houses. Everybody’s everywhere.”
The picnic runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 14 at Flatwoods Park on Flatwoods Road in Ellettsville. All ages are encouraged to attend. If it rains, the picnic may be rescheduled to June 15. Interested people should call the library by 3:30 p.m. on June 14 to confirm.
Originally published in Ellettsville Journal, 2016. Republished here for archival and portfolio purposes.