Weekend Extravaganza: Stevensville Creamery Picnic
Sean Doyle, the current president of the Stevensville Civic Club, is taking the lead for this year’s Creamery Picnic. Having relocated with his family during the summer of 2019, Doyle’s initial connection with the community stemmed from his involvement in the Creamery Picnic. He reminisced, “We initially engaged by volunteering for the beer garden after seeing a Facebook post. Since then, it has become a cherished family tradition for us.” This delightful experience, alongside the remarkable dedication exhibited by individuals like Joan Prather, motivated them to become active participants on the Civic Club board.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Doyle’s wife, Lyndsey, has assumed the responsibility of overseeing the Kids’ Games for this edition of the event. Their two children, Morgan, aged 13, and Ethan, aged 11, have been eagerly lending their assistance, contributing to tasks such as preparing prizes and other similar duties.
Undoubtedly, Doyle and the entire board have invested significant effort to ensure the forthcoming picnic achieves resounding success. Attendees can anticipate a lineup of beloved traditions, including the kid’s parade and grand parade, in addition to more recent additions like the young entrepreneur’s vendor fair and the entertaining watermelon eating contest.
“This year, the composition of our youthful board prompted the necessity for efficient delegation, considering our commitments to full-time work and family responsibilities,” explained Doyle. “Every board member assumed responsibility for a distinct facet of the Picnic, marshaling their own group of supporters.”
The festivities will once again feature a lively street dance on Main Street, complementing the musical performances at the Lewis & Clark Park stage. This decision was prompted by repeated requests from Main Street businesses to revive activities in that area. On Friday, the band “Shodown” is scheduled to play on Main Street at 7 p.m., simultaneously with “Tightline” performing at Lewis & Clark Park. Saturday evening will showcase “Joan Zen” on the park stage at 7 p.m.
Friday’s Main Street attractions also encompass model train displays beneath Valley Drug, in addition to various First Friday events at downtown establishments. The Kids Parade will take place at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s Main Street highlights include the annual pancake breakfast at the Masonic Temple on E. 3rd and the “Fill the Boot!” campaign for Muscular Dystrophy led by the Stevensville Volunteer Fire Department. Meanwhile, the Stevensville Farmers Market will run all day on W. 3rd, and downtown businesses will feature special sales. The Grand Parade will kick off at 11 a.m., followed by complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides. The ever-popular Firefighter Games are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on W. 2nd.
Yet, the downtown festivities are only part of the story. Lewis & Clark Park will come alive with a multitude of activities starting from Friday afternoon and continuing throughout Saturday. Attendees can enjoy kids’ games, explore the beer garden, peruse arts and crafts vendors, indulge in food truck delights, and much more. The lineup includes entertaining events like greased pig races and the Pot of Gold raffle, culminating in this annual celebration. The comprehensive schedule can be found on page 11.
Organizing the Creamery Picnic incurs an approximate cost of $30,000. The event’s funding is made possible through sponsorships from local businesses, along with the revenue generated from vendor fees and beer sales. Serving as the Civic Club’s primary fundraiser, the proceeds contribute to the club’s mission of enhancing the well-being of the greater Stevensville community.
Aside from Sean Doyle and his wife Lyndsey, the Civic Club board comprises Cheryl Burgmeier, the vice president; Darcy Hansen, the secretary; and board members Jaime Devlin, Mariane Maynard, and Eli Madero (alternate).
“This journey has been an incredible learning experience,” Doyle reflected. “Upon its completion, we will evaluate potential modifications. As my wife often says, ‘Creamery Picnic is organized by the community, for the community.’ We are committed to discovering the changes the community desires.”
With the dedication exhibited by Doyle and his board members towards this year’s Creamery Picnic, its success is undoubtedly on the horizon.