Photos: Fun for All as Southold's Anti-Bias Task Force Hosts 7th Annual Unity Picnic

SOUTHOLD, NY — The community came together Saturday for Southold Town's Anti-Bias Task Force's seventh annual Unity Picnic, where the focus was on diversity, fairness — and good, old-fashioned fun.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell addressed the crowd: "When the annual picnic got started a few years ago, the attendance was small. But, the task force kept at it every year and it grew and grew. The picnic is not unlike their mission. Not everyone was hearing their message when the committee first started, but, they kept at it and the audience grew and grew. For both, they always make sure that the tent is big enough for everybody."

Despite sweltering temps, a crowd turned out at the Peconic Community Center for the barbecue, including hot dogs and hamburgers, salads, watermelon, ice cream, and popcorn. Kids enjoyed sand art projects and running through the sprinklers; and music was provided by Liza Coppola.

Susan Dingle joked that she was breaking barriers as the first female to help flip burgers.

Val Shelby helped emcee the festivities, and called the winning numbers for a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses.

The aim was to "celebrate and promote diversity, unity and fairness," organizers said.