In 1941, the Salunga Methodist Church, which later joined with Mount Joy Methodist Church to become Chiques United Methodist Church, relocated its Sunday school picnics because board members did not think they were serving the community well. The picnics, which had previously been held at amusement parks, were not highly attended due to the cost of transportation. As a result, members of the Salunga Methodist Church met with Salunga residents and formed a committee dedicated to planning a community picnic for friends and family at a location in or near Salunga. The first community picnic was held on Aug. 6, 1941. The weather was clear and warm, music was provided by the Lititz High School marching band, and the committee supplied attendees with coffee, iced tea, and ice cream. It was estimated that about 800 people attended the event in 1941, which was a bigger turnout than the committee had expected.

After its cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 79th annual Salunga Community Picnic will return this summer. The event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Hempfield Fire Department Pavilion in Salunga Park, located next to the fire station, 19 W. Main St., Landisville. Although the picnic is named for its location, attendance is open to everyone, regardless of residency.

"This is a really nice opportunity to dial things back to the basics, spend some quality time with family, and catch up with old friends," stated committee member Stacey Cooper.

The picnic will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with guessing games and giveaways. A penny scramble is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., and dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Attendees should bring their own meals and place settings. The picnic committee will provide ice cream, chips, and beverages. Following dinner, festivities will continue with a magician performance, a peanut scramble, and door prizes.

"Many of us have been going since we were born, so there are a lot of fond memories of simpler times," said Cooper. "Every year there is someone who shows up that you haven't seen for a while."

The picnic will be held rain or shine. For more information, search for "Salunga Community Picnic" on Facebook.