Perfect weather, a great crowd, terrific music, delicious food and a wonderful time at “Woodstockley Gardens” combined to make Ohef Sholom Temple’s Congregational Picnic a resounding success. Held on Saturday, May 9 in neighboring Stockley Gardens, the area was decorated to recall the 1960s.
After Religious School Awards were presented, Cantor Wally and “friends” took the stage. The audience heard excerpts from the 2015 Purimsphiel, pieces from OST’s Youth Choir, songs from Marilyn and Bob Johns, and a set from local musician David Derring.
Amazing face-painters transformed faces and arms. Oversized games such as Jenga, Connect-4 and checkers, were huge (pun-intended) hits, as were the candy necklace table and tie-dye station where guests of all ages made keepsake T-shirts. Hula-hoop teachers even helped those who needed assistance keeping their hoops in the air.
The Men’s Club provided delicious picnic fare, and the Icee truck had a consistent line of customers.
The afternoon ended with a pet blessing and Havdallah led by Rabbi Roz Mandelberg and Cantor Wally Schacket-Briskin. Slowly, the guests left the park as if they didn’t want a perfect afternoon to end.