The 69th annual St. Peter Roman Catholic Church summer picnic, held on the grassy, tree-lined parish grounds, touched all the bases for a successful, satisfying social gathering Aug. 6.

Billed as a reunion, there was plenty of goodwill, food, music and fun at the 4 S. Fifth St., Coplay, church.

An impressive amount of planning and coordinating of numerous volunteers and activities occurred to make this year’s picnic a success. As an example of dedication, planning for next year’s 70th annual picnic reportedly began about a week after the 2023 event ended.

The adult beverage stand offered a full array of drinks. Bingo was held in the church social hall. There were numerous kids’ games and the ever-popular kids’ train.

Attendance was robust at the event, where some people have not seen each other since last year’s church picnic. Attendees began to arrive well before the noon start time.

Large tents were erected for coverage for attendees and activities in case a stray, cooling rain shower arrived on the humid summer day.

Rochelle Korsak, of Coplay, and Ann Kovacs, of Allentown, reconnected at the picnic. Both had worked together at times over the years and were delighted to see each other at the picnic. Many stories of reconnections with friends and relatives are standard fare at the picnic.

The picnic entertainment was provided by the popular Emil Schanta Band, playing mostly polkas but also a variety of songs, and by Flirtin’ with the Mob, an eclectic band. They performed in a large rented band shell, which was an addition to the picnic.

Longtime picnic volunteers, such as Bob Hauke, Mike and Beverly Sobchak and Audrey and Rick Hess, were present. Beverly Sobchak and Hauke sold tickets. All food and drinks were bought with tickets to better control the flow of money.

Numerous volunteers have been assisting at the church picnic for decades.

Former St. Peter pastor and now retired monsignor, John Martin was present to show support for his beloved parish. Held in high regard by his congregants, he received the welcome akin to a rock star by those who know and miss him.

Many folks arrived by noon to order food to take home to avoid the anticipated large crowd and the expected hot weather. Long lines for food assembled rapidly after noon.

The parish’s homemade pierogies were a top seller, both at the outside stand and in the social hall, where uncooked, take-home bags by the dozen were sold.

There was a wide array of foods to choose from - hot dogs, cheesesteaks, pierogies, barbecue, refreshments, ice cream, cakes, popcorn, cotton candy and desserts.

There also was a large basket raffle.

Kids were excited to be treated to a train ride around the church grounds. The train, to the delight of the kids - and some adults - on board, went through a blizzard of bubbles generated by a bubble machine on the train’s designated path.

A number of stands geared for kids were present.

Smiling faces appeared everywhere on kids, parents and grandparents. Goodwill and fellowship were abundant throughout the day.

Attendees had an enjoyable day reconnecting with friends and continuing a tradition that has endured for 69 years. Some of these folks only see others on this important reunion picnic day. They mark a year passing with this important picnic.

An often heard question in Coplay during the months of July and August is, “Are you going to the church picnic?”