April 23rd is National Picnic Day!

Now that nicer weather is here, safe, open-space areas are perfect for an outdoor meal to celebrate National Picnic Day on Friday, April 23rd! What a great opportunity to pack a delicious lunch or supper and take it outdoors to enjoy it.

We love the flexibility of cooking our own meal or picking one up from the local grocery or our favorite restaurant. We can sit and eat outside on a blanket, bring a folding table and chairs, or find a picnic table at our favorite park. We can bring a portable grill, utilize one at a park, or simply pack pre-cooked foods. Our menu may consist of barbecued meats, sandwiches and chips, salads, fruits and vegetables, or a combination. A simple meal of high quality bread, cheese, grapes and wine is also fun. Some foods will need to be kept cold, especially salads containing mayonnaise and sandwiches with lunchmeat. A cooler will do the trick, and will help keep our beverages cold on a warm day!

By April, the first of the summer fruits are beginning to arrive. We may consider using cherries or strawberries as a nice addition to a salad, or for a yummy dessert. Peas, artichokes, and asparagus are also in season in April; all would be delicious in a cold pasta salad. Caprese sandwiches using ciabatta or focaccia bread, delicious tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, and fresh basil are fun, too. Arugula, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper add flavor and tie it all together.

Playing outdoor games, like tossing a Frisbee, playing cornhole, kicking around a soccer ball, or playing a game of badminton is something we may look forward to during a picnic as well.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we may have a picnic on the living room floor in our home! If you use social media and have a picnic, you can take photos and share them at #NationalPicnicDay.

Newton Village

110 N. 5th Avenue W

Newton, Iowa 50208

Ph: 641-792-0115

www.newtonvillage.org