Cape Harbour holds old fashioned picnic
Water balloon fights, hot dogs and brats, pets dressed in their patriotic best and live music was the perfect way for Cape residents to celebrate the Fourth of July early on Saturday.
The 10th annual Great American Picnic was celebrated at Cape Harbour, with lots of fun to serve as a warm-up to Red, White & Boom later that evening.
There were games for the kids, a Patriotic Pet contest, music from the Island Coast High School marching band, a line dance demonstration, a performance from the Calendar Girls and much more at this free event.
It started with a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make July 4 such a holiday with an Honor Guard presentation.
From there, it was Island Coast’s turn, whose marching band passed the hat during and after its performance to help raise $12,000 so it could perform in the Macy’s Day Holiday Parade in Orlando.
Not bad for only its third year in existence.
“We were invited by one of the band parents. We did real well, especially for the summer when many of the kids are out of town,” said Zach Deeter, band coach. “We want to bring everybody in the band to Orlando.”
One of the big events was the Patriotic Pet Contest, where nearly 20 animals vied for the top prize.
Nearly all were dogs except for Michelle Undeen’s animal, a pig wrapped in an American flag blanket, who is no stranger to Cape Harbour, as it appears every weekend for the Farmer’s Market which was open on this day.
“They’re really smart, clean, loving animals, so we decided on a pig. He was housetrained in a day,” Undeen said. “He’s wearing a flag. He’s a regular so I hope they show their faith in him.”
Linda Floyd and the Calendar Girls performed a tribute to our country’s independence, the third such performance the troupe did this weekend. Personally, she came to see what the fuss was about
“It’s a great turnout. I loved the pet contest. Look at me, I’m red, white and blue and our hearts bleed that for our veterans,” Floyd said.
There were also fun contests for the kids, such as musical chairs, watermelon eating and a water balloon contests.
While the water balloon contest quickly devolved into a wet melee, Tony Harn was trying to get his daughter, Zoe, 4, to catch a water balloon, without much success.
“We worked at it with other balls and thought we would give this a shot. If it busts, it’s a good way to cool off,” Harn said. “It’s hot, but it’s still fun to come out and enjoy the activities.”
Ciara Rodriguez, 9, was no Kobiyashi at watermelon eating, getting more on her plate than in her mouth. But she would be ready for the barbecue at her house later.
“I had fun here and it was my first time,” Rodriguez said. “I liked the water balloon contest. We’re having a barbecue at the house later. I like hot dogs.”
Of course, Fathoms, the French Press and Pignoli’s on the Harbour got people hungry with their selection of cookout food.
“We’re happy to have this event and see all these people having fun with their families,” Valeria Canella, owner of the French Press and Fathom’s. “It’s our first year of doing this event and it’s nice seeing the kids have fun.”