REDFORD — The Church of the Assumption Parish Center will host the 169th annual Redford Picnic for the community to celebrate the 15th of Redford this Sunday.
The picnic began in 1855 when the Church opened and the Bishop came to bless the new altar.
This year, Bishop Terry LaValley will be in attendance to bless picnic attendees.
Since then, parishioners spend this Holy Day celebrating the Virgin Mary with live music, carnival games, pies, carousel rides and a feast.
“It’s called the 15th of Redford, celebrated by the Church of Assumption,” Ed Liberty, a church trustee and dedicated parishioner, said.
“It represents the Virgin Mary’s peace day, Aug. 15, when her body and soul went up to heaven.”
A variety of carnival game booths will be open for everyone to play, a game of Skilo will take place with prizes for the winners, and the pie booths will be making a reappearance this year.
Father Mike will be challenging anyone to a 100-yard foot race.
According to Liberty, The pie booths are their most popular fundraiser at the event.
“Everybody loves the pie booths,” he said.
Some parishioners spend weeks leading up to the picnic baking a variety of pies.
“Some parishioners have been making pies for weeks for the big wheel.”
Attendees bet on a number one through 30, then they spin the “pie wheel” and if it lands on the number they bet, they win a pie of their choosing.
“They bet 50 cents on a number, and if the wheel lands on it you win a pie of your choosing. We got all kinds of pies.”
In previous years, they only used one wheel, but it grew so popular they had to expand it to two booths.
The Church of Assumption is in possession of one of the oldest carousels in the country, which they spin up every year for the picnic.
“It was acquired in 1925. It’s powered by a tractor and spins on 16 Volkswagon wheels,” Liberty said.
“The kids love it. We offer them free rides the night before the picnic.”
The feast includes a roast beef and ham dinner and will be served in the Parish Center starting from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Adult meals are $12, children’s are $6 and anyone under 5-years-of-age eat for free.
The meal is served with a full side of vegetables and an ice cream dessert.
“The roast beef and ham dinner comes with a side of vegetables and a dessert, all for $12, you get the whole nine yards,” Liberty said.
“I think last year we sold around 1,000 dinners.”
Three local bands will play throughout the event, including Half Circle performing at 11:30 a.m.; followed by Kickin’ Up Dust at 2 p.m. and Brock Gonyea performs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, events will start at 11:30 a.m. admission and parking is free.
All proceeds from the picnic benefit the parish and community programs.
“We are very excited about this,” Liberty said.
“We are working hard to make this the best we’ve ever had and our community of parishioners are praying for good weather.”