Friendly reminder: If you read this article or attend the Polka Picnic at the Pavilion it counts towards an activity badge for Summer Library Challenge. Make sure you go back to Beanstack or talk to a staff member to mark your activity!
What’s not to love about a parade? As someone who has participated in numerous parades, from high school into adulthood, and watched many more from the sidelines, I can confidently say that community parades are the best! Westlake hosts an annual Fourth of July parade and festivities with planned expanded fun events this year for America’s 250th anniversary. Local marching bands, community groups, organizations, and businesses all march in the fanfare, passing out candies and small prizes to onlookers. Check out your local community or neighborhood calendar for smaller parades throughout the summer, or create a small parade with your family in your backyard to complete this activity.
Picnics are as American as apple pie, baseball, and… polka music? Well, apple pie originated in England, polka music originated in Poland, picnics originated from France, and while the first game of baseball happened in Hoboken, NJ in 1846, similar games originated in various parts of the United Kingdom much earlier. Like the melting pot of the United States, picnics can be wholly unique to the organizer of the feast. Pack your favorite bite-sized sandwiches, fruit salads or cut-up pieces of fruit, chips, lemonade or juices, or even small sweet treats- just don’t forget the napkins, plates, plasticware, and a soft lawn blanket to sit on! You can experience the unique and fun upcoming Polka Picnic at the Pavilion this summer to complete this activity in person!
Check out these children’s books for inspiration for your own parade or picnic this summer!
