Categories: Unofficial Gazette
      Date: Aug  6, 2002
     Title: 2002 PTOS Annual Picnic

DSC01077.JPG On Saturday, June 1, 2002, the PTOS held its annual picnic at Fort Hunt Park near Mount Vernon in Virginia. From the start, it was clear that staying hydrated would be a priority since the heat and humidity had already set in. In the pavilion, guests were treated to barbecued fare, which was prepared by the Crystal City Sports Pub right on the premises. The menu consisted of such summer staples as burgers, hot dogs, barbecued chicken, pasta salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Outside the pavilion, the park grounds had been transformed into an amusement park. Children were happily playing on the moon bounce and the giant slide and riding on the miniature ferris wheel. Children also took their parents for rides around the park on the train, which loaded and unloaded next to the pavilion. A makeup artist was also present and was surrounded by a table full of children at all times. Displays of her artwork could be seen on many faces and arms. Kids and parents were invited to participate in several games after lunch, including a sack race, a potato-balancing relay, and a classic water balloon tossing contest. All of the kids were awarded various prizes for participating in the games. The adults played softball on the nearby field, but the heat shortened the game. Inside the pavilion, an entertaining hula-hoop contest was held for both the kids and adults. In the late afternoon, the ice cream truck finally arrived and was greeted enthusiastically by the hot picnickers. Indulging in an ice cream or snow cone seemed to be a fitting way to close out the 2002 Annual Picnic, as staying cool was the order of the day.