[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1367]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE WALKER TAVERN FARMER'S PICNIC

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                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, it is my special privilege to recognize 
the one hundredth anniversary of the first Walker Tavern Farmer's 
Picnic held in Brooklyn, Michigan in 1908. It is with great enthusiasm 
that I honor the Farmer's Picnic on behalf of the many Michigan 
families who have experienced the joy of this unique event.
  Started by a group of business owners in 1907, the first Walker 
Tavern Farmer's Picnic was celebrated in the Irish Hills and quickly 
became a highly anticipated annual event. This day-long picnic, 
originally called the Businessmen's Picnic, brought families, friends, 
and visitors together to share food, partake in games, and exchange 
stories. The picnic offered over 25 summers of community entertainment 
from 1908 to 1935 until halted by the Depression.
  This historic event is known for the bringing together workers of 
many trades, such as businessmen and farmers. A 1922 account reveals 
that the picnic drew a crowd of about 1,500 and featured a baseball 
game between the farmers and the businessmen. Friendly games among 
locals is part of what made this picnic the highlight of the summer for 
over a quarter century.
  This year the community spirit that inspired the picnic will be 
rekindled. In honor of its one hundredth anniversary, families and 
friends will gather once again at Walker Tavern to celebrate the 
traditions of the past. Folks will enjoy free family fun by sharing a 
potluck lunch and engaging in old time games including tug-of-war and a 
watermelon seed spitting contest. In addition, a vintage baseball game 
will be played according to Civil War era rules where the ball is only 
allowed to bounce once before it is counted as out and participants 
wear no mitts, just as those who participated before them did.
  Madam Speaker, today I honor the one hundredth anniversary of Walker 
Tavern Farmer's Picnic for its ability to draw this community together 
to celebrate a rich heritage all Michiganders can be proud of. May 
others know of my high regard for this celebrated event as well as my 
highest recognition for its storied past.

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