A Perfect Day at Camp Harkness

Click Here to View All the Picnic Photos

On July 24, 69 Center members, family, and friends gathered for the Annual Camp Harkness Summer Picnic. It was a celebration of good food, great music, and the natural beauty of Camp Harkness. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect-sunny skies, a gentle sea breeze, and a timeless collection of music provided by Kevin Harkins. Here’s a look back at what made this picnic so special.

A few families and friends arrived early, setting up the delicious spread, hanging banners, and getting the grill ready for business, their laughter and chatter setting the tone for the day. The soft sand beneath their feet, paired with the scenic views of the sparkling ocean, made it the ideal environment for an afternoon of spending time together.

Picnics wouldn’t be complete without delicious food, and this one was no exception. With so many attendees, a mountain of food was shared, creating a culinary feast that left everyone satisfied.
Tables were loaded with an array of vegan dishes, and fresh watermelon, donated by Tammy Paradis, and cooling salads. The Deviled Eggs brought by Center members Lee Kuster and Marilyn Searl, were a huge hit and took no time disappearing from the table. The dessert table was entirely provided by attendees, thank you to everyone that brought something sweet to share. Phil Lendroth lended his festival popcorn maker to the fun and many folks munched on the classic festival treat.
The barbecue grill came alive under the careful supervision of Center Member, Janet LaBonte. With the scent of sizzling burgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian burgers mixing with the breeze was the perfect combination for a mouthwatering lunch. A portable speaker, placed just far enough away to avoid being too intrusive, played a continuous mix of upbeat bluesy classics. The playlist perfectly complemented the mood-lighthearted, fun, and full of energy. One attendee commented that it felt like a dinner party at one of the Newport Mansions.
One of the standout features of the picnic was its ability to bring together people of all ages. From kindergarten to grandparents, there was something for everyone. It was wonderful to share friendship, introduce family members, and share in our communal love of the Center and all the people that it has brought together in these 53 years.

As the group of 69 attendees made their way home, there was a shared sense of gratitude for the perfect day. It wasn’t just the food or the music that made this picnic so memorable-it was the camaraderie, the laughter, and the beauty of being together in such a magical setting.

In the end, this summer picnic was a reminder of how simple pleasures-good food, good music, and great company-can create some of the best memories. The ocean breeze, the laughter, and the music will linger in everyone’s minds for weeks to come, and it’s clear that the day was one for the books.