Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

The 83rd Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic and 2002 All-Class Reunion populated DelGrosso’s Amusement Park Friday in Tipton for a day of fun, food and games.
By 3 p.m. over seven hundred Bellwood-Antis School District youths received free ride and slide bracelets. That number increased by the 7 p.m. deadline.
According to the President of the Community Picnic Committee, Bill Abbott, every aspect of the picnic was well attended and prosperous. “The turnout has been really super, thanks to some good weather that hopefully carries into the night for the fireworks display.”
Abbott continued, “We had a record number of eighty kids in our annual golf tournament this morning, there were eighteen people who performed in the talent show at 5 p.m. and we’re pretty close to selling a thousand chicken dinners.” He added, “That’s the first time we’ve done that since the Farm Show’s been in the Community Picnic. We are extremely pleased.”
The newly added Hometown Raffle was also a success Friday, especially for being the first one. There were a lot of inquiries with people wanting to come back next year and add some things with their talents. It will hopefully continue to be something great for the Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic and its committee.
Along with the Hometown Raffle, there were Lions Bingo, an All-Class Reunion Adult Golf Tournament and an excellent fireworks display at 10 p.m. There are a few extra shells from Summer Thunder 2002, which will give the people in the area a little extra boom in the evening.
Peter Gardella, General Manager of DelGrosso’s Amusement Park enjoys being able to be a part of Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic Day.
“It’s a tradition and honor to keep up,” said Gardella. “We’ve always given free tickets for the Bellwood-Antis kids. I’ve been doing this for thirty years and next year will be my thirty-first, and we’ll do it again the same way.”
Gardella also added that the event is great for the community, a community that really appreciates everything that is done to make the picnic possible.
Eleven year old Ashley Lechner, Bellwood-Antis youth, had a wonderful time Friday. “It’s really great. I love riding the rides,” said Lechner. “I think it’s really cool they do this for Bellwood, it’s free so everyone can enjoy the fun.” The kids aren’t the only ones that appreciate Community Picnic Day for Bellwood. The adults and parents equally enjoy and appreciate the festivities.
Melissa Miller, Bellwood-Antis resident and parent, gave a different perspective on the event.
“It’s nice, it’s in the middle of the summer for the kids to get together and see some of their friends they haven’t seen since school,” said Miller. “It’s a chance to get back to community roots, your family and simply enjoy it.”
Miller noted, “I come every year. I certainly appreciate the event. A lot of people don’t like to take things on themselves, so we appreciate those peoplethat take the time to organize Community Day.”
The people that need thanked for their contribution towards the Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic are its committee members, the Farm Show Committee, DelGrosso’s Park staff and most of all, the Bellwood-Antis community.
“A well-deserved and special thanks goes to the DelGrosso Family who continually stay community oriented and always willing to offer their services for the area,” said Abbott. “Without the continuous efforts of the DelGrosso Family and DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, events like the Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic would not be possible.”

By Rick