Thousands attend Vincy picnic at Brown’s Bay Park

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Associations of Canada held its annual family day picnic at Brown’s Bay Park, Canada on July 18th.{{more}}

From its humble beginnings, the picnic, which is held at the same venue on the third Saturday in July each year, has evolved into a monster event that is a must on the summer calendar of Vincentian families, their friends in North America, across Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is the largest gathering of Vincentians. The tremendous popularity spreads by all means of communication by anyone who had the pleasure to attend one.

On a beautiful summer day, an estimated crowd exceeding 15,000 was entertained by hip hop dancing, soca artistes, calypsonians and gospel singing that had everyone in a party mood. Games for kids and youngsters were also arranged. Adults played dominoes, soccer, volleyball and other pastimes. The disc jockeys maintained the mood with the latest music from Vincy mas.

Addressing the crowd, His Excellency Brendon C. Browne, High Commissioner for the Eastern Caribbean to Canada, thanked all for their involvement and said they should be proud as Vincentians for stageing such an event. Those in attendance were reminded of the upcoming 30th aniversary of independence, and asked to try to make it home if possible.

Thanks were extended to the hard work and planning by the Toronto, Ottowa and Montreal Vincentian Associations, the Ontario Provincial Parks Commission, The Ontario Police and Park security for their professional manner in handling parking and crowd control, thus ensuring another successful day.