Old Lyme America 250 Town Picnic Set For July 5 At Town Woods Park

OLD LYME, CT — Old Lyme residents are invited to a town picnic Sunday, July 5, at Town Woods Park as part of the community’s America 250 observance.

The picnic is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. and will be held rain or shine. The event is open to full-time and seasonal Old Lyme residents.

Residents may bring their own picnic food, blankets, folding tables, chairs and pop-up tents. Organizers said attendees should keep food cool as needed and bring sun protection and water.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club will sell food and drinks, including cheeseburgers for $7, hamburgers for $6, hot dogs for $5, chips for $2, lemonade for $3, and bottled water or canned soda for $2. The Lions Club will accept cash or credit cards, according to the event information.

Nightshift, a five-piece band, is scheduled to perform music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Planned activities include potato sack races at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., and pie-eating contests at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. A tablescape contest also is planned, with judging from 1 to 1:20 p.m. and winners announced at 1:30 p.m. Categories include Most Patriotic, Most Historic, Beach-Theme Picnic, Park-Theme Picnic and Most Creative.

The event also will include children’s crafts and play items, and attendees may use the Town Woods playground. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

A community quilt made from blocks contributed by Old Lyme residents is expected to be unveiled during the picnic.

Attendees also can learn about the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden at Town Woods Park. The volunteer garden grows and donates fresh produce to help address food insecurity and nutrition needs in Lyme, Old Lyme and nearby communities.

Parking will be available at Town Woods Park. Organizers said a shuttle bus may be offered from the High Hopes parking lot next door. A drop-off circle also is planned for residents bringing picnic supplies.

Open flames, including hibachis, grills and candles, are not allowed. Pets and fireworks also are prohibited. Organizers asked that children not bicycle or skateboard in the parking lot during the event.