By Heather Posey, Staff Writer
It’s that time again. A time when, at least for one day, a number of people meet up at a local park and reminisce about when they didn’t live in Long Beach, but relocated to “Iowa by the Sea.”
On Saturday, Aug. 11 at noon, residents from ages 45-100 will gather at Recreation Park in Long Beach to host the 107th Annual Iowa Picnic. A potluck and get-together of old and new friends from Midwestern hometowns, the Picnic used to be overflowing with Iowan natives and buzzing with live entertainment.
“Back then it was a big thing,” said Jo Ann Kock, secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Association. “There were so many people that they would post up on a tree what county you were from so you could sign in and leave a note for your old friend or classmate.”
The potluck and picnic has been hosted by the Iowa Association of Long Beach almost as long as the Picnic has been in existence.
“It’s been around for about 104 or 105 years,” said Violet Smith, vice president of the association.
Headed by 96-year-old Al Kilts, the Iowa Association of Long Beach claims to be more of a group of people “sharing war stories” than talking business. And with less than 20 members paying $1 in yearly dues, the association is making attempts to build up the organization and attract younger members.
“At one time there was a bunch of people that would come from Iowa. There even used to be an All State Society, but I’m not sure it’s there anymore,” said Kock.
Though attendance has gone down from the 50,000 participants in the mid-1950s, the association does its part to keep the tradition alive.
“Many didn’t know that we still had the picnic,” said Smith. “Now we’re trying to get the word out, posting signs and contacting old classmates.”
With nearly 200 guests last year, the picnic will be a day-long leisurely event filled with old neighbors and “tables covered with food.” And even if not an Iowa native, the association welcomes the public to come and enjoy their century-old tradition.
For details about the Iowa Association contact JoAnn Kock at (562) 421-0726.
