An Old Fashioned Picnic at the Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie, PA

The first thing I saw at the Macungie Fourth of July Celebration at the Macungie Memorial Park was a gaggle of small children, decked out in red, white, and blue, riding their streamer-clad scooters, marching with American flags, and being tugged along in their Red Flyer Wagons. Clackers were clacking and whistles were blowing with delight. This was quite a parade, and it was led by none other than the Rita's Water Ice mascot, Ice Guy, and a Gator Tractor blaring bits of patriotic music. What an excellent parade, indeed! There were far more marchers than watchers, and everyone liked it that way. It was good, old fashioned fun.

The parade was just the beginning. It was followed by free Rita's water ice for all the little tykes and some good old fashioned games and contests. There was a bucket race and a sack race. But nothing compared to my first ever duck race. I think I was as excited as the kids! I had never seen a duck race before.

A ticket to enter the duck race was just $5.00, and that also entitled you to a free hot dog and Coke over at the Macungie Pool after the race. There were about 650 ducks, maybe more! They were all lined up in rows, anxiously awaiting their race down the Macungie Creek. Oh, these weren't just any ducks. There were pirate ducks, sailor ducks, balloon bearing ducks, and fire chief ducks. And yes, they were all little rubber ducks, each decorated with its own unique number. You could check out the ducks ahead of time, find your number, and cheer on your duck as it raced down the stream.

At the top of the creek, the ducks were all dumped at the starting line. They tumbled, they tossed, they floated down the creek. Some got stuck in the weeds, others clung to the rocks. One lucky duck made it to the finish line and its winner received $300! There were 49 other winners as the ducks slowly worked their way to the end. After it was done, the little ones could run through the creek and pick up the ducks that had gotten stuck. It was hilarious to watch all those itty bitty ducks floating downstream in just a few inches of water.

After the race, we played on the playground, snacked on a picnic lunch, and enjoyed the beautiful, shady park. Shortly thereafter, the Macungie Band joined the festivities and played from the bandstand. A large number of folks poured in for the free concert.

This old fashioned picnic was great fun! And the Macungie Memorial park was beautiful and clean. There was plenty of parking and plenty of restrooms. There were many grandparents, parents, and small children exploring the park, enjoying the free festivities, and playing in the pool. My small child was highly disappointed.... when it was time to leave. He was having such a great time, he didn't want the day to end. We all had a great time, and we'll be marking our calendars for the Fourth of July "Old Fashioned Picnic" again next year. And maybe, just maybe, our lucky duck will be the duck race winner!

The Macungie Memorial Park is completely run by volunteers. There are many activities and events throughout the year, including free concerts, a Farmers Market, car shows, Bingo, tennis, and the pool. For more information on the park or its events please visit www.macungiepark.com.