September 14, 2022

Ninth Annual Free ‘Friendship Picnic’ to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Wheaton


The ninth annual Montgomery County “Friendship Picnic” will again bring people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community. The free picnic will be held from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Wheaton Regional Park.

Wheaton Regional Park is located at located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle service to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and athletic fields will be available.

This free event is an initiative of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence (CAHV), which works to eradicate acts of hate and intimidation through community education, advocacy, collaboration and legislation.

All are welcome to the celebration, which will include traditional, Kosher, Halal and vegetarian lunch options. Lunch will be served beginning at 1 p.m. for as long as meals last. There will be a wide range of activities for children and adults including music, dancing, moon bounce, face painting, a petting zoo, the carousel and rides on the park’s miniature train.

Attendees do not need to bring food or drink to the event. All will be provided. There is no need to register in advance to attend.

“Our Friendship Picnic is a wonderful opportunity to come together, in the same space and place, and look at ways we can stem the tide on hate and violence, said Montgomery County Human Rights Director James Stowe. “There will be wonderful activities for children and the entire family. It will be a marvelous day for all residents and visitors alike to be in Montgomery County.”

In addition to the recreation activities, there will be opportunities for small group conversations to discuss how to peaceably and respectfully move toward a nonviolent community. Everyone’s thoughts are valued and all will be heard.

The Friendship Picnic is endorsed and supported by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission, the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, the Faith Community Advisory Group, Montgomery Parks, Montgomery County Police, the County Fire and Rescue Service, the African American Health Program and the Black Physicians and Healthcare Network.

For more information about the Friendship Picnic, call 240-777-8450.