For the 83rd consecutive year, the communities of Bellwood and Antis Township will gather for a day of fun, food and games at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park in Tipton.
Although many things have changed since the days when Gable’s Department Store trucks would shuttle residents to the Park, many aspects of the long-standing tradition remain the same.
All school age students of Bellwood and Antis Township will enjoy a day of free rides and water attractions at DelGrosso’s Park. Students can register for the free ride bracelets between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Other activities include Championship Golf tournaments, children’s games and a chicken barbecue presented by the Bellwood Farm Show Committee.
For the 9th year, the Bellwood-Antis Star Search will highlight the talents of Bellwood and Antis Township residents of all ages. More than 20 contestants are expected for the Star Search, which will begin at 5 p.m.
President of the Community Picnic Committee, Bill Abbott, has been involved with the Bellwood-Antis Community Picnic for twelve years, serving as President for the committee for three years. He is expecting a real good turnout from the community.
“I think the popularity of the picnic has been pretty good through the last several years. We’ve tried to add some new things to get the public interest up and I think we’ve done that the last few years.”
A new addition for the 2002 picnic is the Hometown Raffle. Arts and Craft items made by Bellwood and Antis Township residents will be displayed.
Picnic guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the hand-made items.
Abbott elaborated on the new Hometown Raffle. “It was developed by committee member, Cate Fraser. We have 33 local artisans whom contributed their works for the raffle.” He added, “We want to get the Hometown Raffle off the ground this year in hopes that it is a money maker, so we can use the money for the fireworks display.”
The highlight of the picnic every year is the fireworks display. The fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
Abbott greatly thanked the Community Picnic Committee and the Bellwood-Antis Alumni Association, with both being enormously charitable the last few years to continue the growth of the picnic. Without their help, it would be difficult for the community of Bellwood and Antis Township to enjoy the prosperity of the Community Picnic.
Come out to DelGrosso’s Park on Friday and enjoy a day with the Bellwood-Antis community!
