Southold Anti Bias Task Force's 8th Annual Unity Picnic Celebrates Diversity

PECONIC, NY — A crowd of residents is set to bring their appetites Saturday as Southold Town's Anti Bias Task Force presents its 8th annual Unity Picnic, celebrating diversity.

The picnic takes place Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Peconic Community Center on Peconic Lane, with food served from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be provided; the event will also feature live music and entertainment, children's games, and door prizes.

The picnic is free and all are welcome.

At last year's event, which focused 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 last year, 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 had the crowd singing along.

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

Free movie night, too

And that's not all the family fun that's being offered by Southold Town this weekend: On Friday, a free showing of "Moana" will by hosted by the Southold Town Youth Bureau during its "Movie Night In the Park."

The event takes place at Tasker Park at Peconic Lane at dusk; bring chairs and blankets.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.