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05/23/2019 12:01 AMA pie-eating contest, sack races, picnic fare, and live music: It’s time for Guilford’s Memorial Day picnic. Right after the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, families can head to the Guilford Keeping Society’s Thomas Griswold House grounds to spread out a blanket, set up some chairs, and spend an afternoon.
The event moved to the Griswold House site, 171 Boston Street, last year. Parking will be available at Cox School next door.
“It makes sense to have the picnic so close to the parade route, and there’s lots of room for all our planned activities,” said Chris Hartmann, chair of the event. “It’s an easy-going hometown afternoon where everyone has fun, whether they are 8 or 80.”
The afternoon will start with the Pledge of Allegiance led by First Selectman Matt Hoey. One of the most anticipated events is the pie-eating contest, with pies courtesy of Bishop’s Orchards. The Guilford Keeping Society makes a point to specify blueberry pie.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks will be available for purchase, and the profits will benefit the Guilford Keeping Society’s two museums. Picnickers may also bring their own lunches if they choose and enjoy them on the lawn. Live music from local band Take Two and Call Me in the Morning will provide favorite songs from the ‘60s to the 2000s.
There will be also be donkey rides and tortoise races. Kids of all ages can enjoy traditional games, including three-legged races, sack races, and hoop rolling. Visitors can also take a free tour of the Griswold House.
The picnic begins right after Guilford’s Memorial Day parade and continues until 3:30 p.m.
There is no charge for admission, but a free-will donation is appreciated. The Guilford Keeping Society is right in the midst of a large and much-needed window conservation project, and money collected will go to a valued cause.
The Guilford Keeping Society is a nonprofit historical society dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Guilford. In addition to the 1803 Medad Stone Tavern and the 1774 Thomas Griswold House, the society maintains an early blacksmith shop, a large barn filled with farm implements, three corncribs, and a Victorian three-seat privy. The keeping society also maintains an extensive collection of Guilford historic photographs, journals, and other memorabilia available for use by the public for research or browsing. The society offers educational programs for adults throughout the year and week-long summer day camps for children. It promotes the teaching of Guilford history in town schools, and takes a leading role in Early Guilford Days, a yearly townwide program for 4th-grade students.