CL Newbies invite all to Fall Picnic tomorrow

BY Dawn Rankins

After a hugely successful Fall Picnic last year, The Canyon Lake Newbies and Social Club will take over Holiday Harbor Park tomorrow beginning at 11:30 a.m. for its second annual family picnic.

Canyon Lakers are invited to the event where a free BBQ lunch will be served and a bunch of games played including three piñatas, Nerf Gun Battle Royale and The Great Canyon Lake Turkey Hunt. A booth for face painting will also be set up.

A major focus of the picnic is the club’s Operation Care Package where club members donate items and assemble care packages for US troops.

“The event is a great way to get the kids involved and support the troops all while making new friends,” club co-founder Bradley Morton said.

One of the popular games at the picnic is The Great Canyon Lake Turkey Hunt.

“The Turkey Hunt is where the men dress up in ridiculous turkey costumes and run around wobbling, gobbling and flapping their wings while getting shot with Nerf bullets by a mob of crazed little turkey kids,” Bradley said. “The kids count to 20 while the turkeys run and hide, then complete mayhem and laughter break out as the kids shoot Nerf bullets at the turkeys.”

Nerf Gun prizes will be given at the conclusion of the hunt.

Club co-founder Jonda Morton is a Navy Veteran and knows what it is like to receive care packages from home.

In addition to myriad games, events and food, the Canyon Lake Newbie and Social Club’s Fall Picnic includes a service project where care packages are assembled for donating to those serving far from home. Photo provided by Bradley Morton.

“Not only do we have a blast at our fall picnic, but we accomplish something near and dear to my heart,” she said. “When I was deployed overseas, one of the most meaningful events was receiving care packages from home. I observed several of my shipmates not receiving many and it broke my heart. Now I’m in a position to give back and attempt to rectify that in my small way. I deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from local businesses such as Patriotic Arms. They are also veterans and have been incredibly supportive.”

The club is looking for donations for the care packages. Extra Halloween candy is one thing that could be brought to the picnic for inclusion in the care packages. Other items can be donated as well.

Those wishing to donate to the care packages can do so in one of two ways. The first way would be to attend the event personally and bring the items to the picnic. Those who cannot attend the picnic, but would like to donate items can put them in the drop box located at 20577 Wood Duck Place.

All of Canyon Lake is invited to the picnic, not just members of the club, Jonda and Bradley said. There is no charge for attending the picnic or for the BBQ lunch thanks to several event sponsors, Bradley said.