Warm September sunshine and the spacious lawn at the historic at the historic Sprague Mansion helped make the perfect setting for a picnic last Friday.  Fortunately, it was the day of the annual mayor’s picnic in Cranston, and the day brought lots of smiles to the more than 120 participants who gathered under big white tents to say goodbye to summer in style.

The menu included barbecued chicken breast, buttered corn, hot dogs ,and cucumber and tomato salad.  The seniors were served by students in the ‘Medical Pathways’ program at Cranston High School East who happily started things off by delivering trays of Del’s Lemonade to each table.

“It’s just a great community event,” said Steven Craddock, director senior services in Cranston.  “We’re lucky to have the student volunteers here as well, because they really help make this a truly multi-generational event that everyone can enjoy.”

Mayor Kenneth Hopkins, the day’s official host, said annual traditions, such as the picnic, help make Cranston a great place to live.  “It really is about quality of life,” he said, “as he visited with people.  “We have events for people of all ages, whether it’s the senior picnic or the opening day of softball for youngsters.  It’s all part of what makes living in Cranston so special.”

If clean plates were a measure, the picnic was a huge success, ending with slices of fresh watermelon and an ice cream truck.

Editor’s Note: Barbara Polichetti, a Cranston resident, is a regular contributor to the Cranston Herald.