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Park Extension’s Howard Park was abuzz with activity last Saturday, as hundreds of residents and volunteers gathered for a standing tradition ― the all-day annual picnic sponsored by Councillor Mary Deros. It was the seventh year the event took place. Since morning, Deros, aided by a virtual army of volunteers, helped set up, cook and keep children busy with games.
A personal thanks
Seven years ago, Mary decided to personally thank and celebrate the families and volunteers of the district with an annual picnic filled with fun. The event, held every summer, is completely free with food, refreshments, games for the children, face painting, cultural dance displays and entertainment, prizes and so much more.
Among the special guests this year were Montreal mayor Gérald Tremblay, his brother Marcel, who is the Montreal executive-committee member responsible for citizen services, and Villeray/St-Michel/Park Extension Borough Councillor for the district of François-Perreault, Frank Venneri. Among the entertainers were some young vocalists trying out their talent at a public event, and a very talented group of African folkloric dancers.
The sun was kind
“Fortunately this year the sun is with us,” Mayor Tremblay said in an interview with NPEN. “I’ve been here a couple of times and it was raining. When you see all the effort that goes into making this a success, it’s important that the sun also be there. You can see by the number of people here today that it’s very important to give an opportunity to people of different origins to come out and show that we all live in harmony in Montreal.”
According to Deros, those attending last Saturday’s picnic ending up consuming more than 1,200 hot dogs. “They had a great day of fun and games,” she said, noting the valuable contribution made by sponsors like the local Pharm Escompte Jean Coutu and an anynomous donor who is an importer. Everyone attending had their choice of free gifts, ranging from stuffed animals, kites, basketballs, soccer balls, shower radios, mini-book lights and household decorations.
Celebrating diversity
With it’s 80-plus different ethnic groups, the Park Extension community is a veritable smorgasbord of customs, cuisine and cultures, all living together and making for a very diversified and dynamic district. Within the community there are many volunteers, who work hard to assist a plethora of concerns ranging from children’s sporting events, dealing with street crime, the need for better eldercare, and other social issues, as well as charitable and cultural events.
“We’ve had some extraordinary volunteers who have been here with us trying to organize everything,” Deros said prior to presenting certificates to some of the most outstanding volunteers in recognition of their of work. “On the day of the picnic, they’re here from nine in the morning until it ends and we clean up. These volunteers year after year have been with us from morning to night giving back to the community and that’s what volunteering is all about.”