Old Times Picnic a Reunion for Neighbors, Friends and Family, Park District Commissioner Says

It's a time of year where families, neighbors and friends can get together and remember—and celebrate—a simpler place and time.

That's the goal of the annual Old Times Picnic, Commissioner Joe Conway told Patch Wednesday.

"The concept that has always been that this is a low-cost picnic for the community, a throwback to a time when things were a little easier and cost a litle less," Conway explained.

Admission to the picnic at 15601 S. Central Ave. is free and families are encouraged to bring their grills, coolers, food baskets and blankets to participate in games and live music.

If someone chooses not to being their own food, there will be plenty on hand from local vendors, Conway added.

He said the food and music could draw as many as 2,500 people, who will begin setting up at 8 a.m. The picnic formally starts at noon and will end at dusk.

Some of the games for kids and adults include a wiffle ball tournament, soft ball, volleyball, bean bag tournament, horse shoes and bingo.

The bands change every year and this year's show will be played by the group, "The Walk-ins."

"We have a lot of activities," Conway said. "I think people will enjoy anything where residents get together, with neighbors and friends they don't see on the regular basis, at the end of the summer."

And even neighbors, friends and families who have moved out of the community tend to come back for the Old Times Picnic, he said.

"It's very much like a big reunion," he said. "Even if you used to live down the block, by all means, pack a cooler, bring out some chairs and come on down. It's a great time for everybody."