DAY 195: ST. FRANCIS PICNIC EVE!

Alllrightythen boys and girls------it's St. Francis Picnic EVE!  To commemorate this special night, I present two of my favorite people: captured in this photo from St. Francis Picnic 1999 is my future husband and my friend, Snarepole, meeting for the first time.

Everyone in my generation who hails from the Loretto/St. Francis area of Marion County understands what a huge deal the St. Francis Picnic is. Or at least was when we were growing up...if I were a kid again I would barely sleep a wink tonight in anticipation of tomorrow and Saturday.

I would have already laid out my brand new Picnic clothes...I'd have the latest update on the progress of the RIDES being constructed on the old high school lawn ... the house would be full of homemade Jam Cakes made by my mom, replete in their beribboned celophaned glory, ready for transport to the cake booth.

I would be saying the rosary in my bed, praying that I would get to stay at the Picnic until at least MIDNIGHT.

Truly, the St. Francis Picnic was the highlight of summer vacation for a whole generation of kids in Marion County.

Come on down! It starts at 4:00 pm and lasts until at least midnight or 1 both Friday and Saturday nights (July 16 & 17th). Rides, booths, games, beer. Friendly people. Saturday night is the wonderful fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Loretto, KY. Be there or be square!