Press Releases
Friendship Picnic to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths
For Immediate Release: Friday, September 9, 2016
The Montgomery County Friendship Picnic is an opportunity for people from diverse cultures and faiths to come together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community. The event is scheduled for September 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Wheaton Regional Park located at 2000 Shorefield Rd.
All residents are invited to this free picnic which includes traditional, Kosher, Halal or vegetarian lunch options. There will be a wide range of activities for children and adults including music, dancing, moon bounce, face painting, carousel, train rides and much more. In addition to the multiple recreation activities there will be small group discussions, which allow everyone to be heard, be valued and give voice to how we can move peaceably toward a respectful and nonviolent community.
In addition to the picnic, new this year will be a special Friendship Walk, to honor the late Luis Zapata who served as a committee member on the Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence. Zapata worked tirelessly for human rights and justice for every human being. The walk will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Wheaton Regional Park and will be a time for everyone to walk, reflect and talk quietly.
“I hope everyone will plan to attend the Friendship Picnic, which is a day for the whole family to come together to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and celebration of goodwill,” said Montgomery County Human Rights Director James Stowe. “When we welcome each other with open minds and hearts, we become better friends, better neighbors and a better community.”
This event is endorsed and supported by the Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence (COHV), the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission, the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and the Montgomery County Executive’s Faith Community Working Group, Montgomery Parks, The Montgomery County Department of Police and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services.
The event is free, however, registration is strongly encouraged by clicking here. For more information call 240-777-8450.
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507