I’ve been attending the Sts. Peter and Paul Summer Picnic since the mid-seventies when I coached the Cardinals basketball team Directions to the Hickory Grove Picnic Grounds are quite simple. Take the AA to California Crossroads – West, cross Route 10 at Flintlocks, continue for about two miles, turn right onto Wagoner Road and go back 100 years.
There is nothing quite like it, a Dining Hall, Bingo Hall and Social Hall that have survived the ravages of Kentucky winters over the years, and a bunch of Red and White Awnings that make you think that you are at Saratoga Race Track. I also remember attending Turkey Raffles there in the fall. Not much has changed over the years. They’ve moved the bandwagon for better exposure. Jack Snodgrass no longer sits at the corner of the bar, buying beer for anyone who ordered a Pabst Blue Ribbon. He owned the distributorship. Unless he showed up after my departure Stanley Bezold no longer dresses up as a frog and dances ad infinitum in front of the bandstand.
This is an event passed down generation to generation. Everybody pretty much knows everybody and some stake out a picnic table under the trees and stay all day. IF you missed this year’s event, not to fear, they will do it all again on August 27th. This needs to be on your bucket list.
Perfect Weather, Good Food, Good Friends, and Country Music brought out a huge crowd which waited as long as an hour in line for the Sts. Peter and Paul Chicken or Roast Beef Dinners at the Hickory Grove Picnic Grounds yesterday, July 30th. If you missed it you will get another chance, as they will do it all again on Saturday, August 27th. On the menu is a half chicken or a generous portion of roast beef, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, creamy or vinegar slaw, sauerkraut, cucumbers, cantaloupe or watermelon, homemade pie and a beverage, all for $13.
A large local crowd listen in as the California Kings and our friend Joey Seiter entertain the early evening crowd.
