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Great Canadian Picnic welcomes all to Phoenix park

Thousands come to enjoy north-of-the-border pursuits like snow golfing

by Glen Creno - Feb. 4, 2011 12:00 AM

The Arizona Republic

It started in 1953 as a small get- together among Canadians in Arizona who were feeling a little homesick.

Nearly 60 years later, thousands of people are expected at Saturday's annual Great Canadian Picnic in Phoenix. And it's not strictly for Canadians. Everyone is invited. It's free. There's food and live music.

Dan Simpson, a semi-retired heavy-equipment dealer who winters in Arizona and spends the rest of his time in Vancouver, will be the master of ceremonies. It's his eighth year handling the announcing chores, and he loves it.

"I guess what I enjoy the most is seeing people have fun," he said. "It's good. It's upbeat."

The picnic runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at South Mountain Park, 10910 S. Central Ave. About 3,000 people attended last year, and Simpson said a similar number, or more, are expected this year.

Organizers have made a push to raise the profile of the event and to emphasize that it's not just for Canadians. Canadians typically make up half of the crowd enjoying Canadian favorites like snow golfing. A retired Mountie always shows up in his red and black uniform to make the rounds and pose for pictures.

Cold and windy weather has gripped the Valley this week, but temperatures are supposed to climb higher by the weekend, moving into the 60s by Saturday. Not that a little cold weather would put the event out of commission.

"There are about five different weather forecasts out there," Simpson said. "It's supposed to be sunny. That's a bonus. If it's a little cool, that's OK."

Money from the event goes for youth exchanges and to bring young burn victims to Prescott for a week at a camp for people who have suffered traumatic burn injuries.

"It helps them feel a part of something, and they don't have to feel bad about how they look," said Suzie Austin of Scottsdale, a volunteer coordinator.

Kathy Bayer, the chairwoman of this year's event, said the picnic gives people who are a long way from home a chance to connect with others just like them. She's American but made Canadian friends through the years.

"Most of us are pretty social to begin with," she said. "When you feel you are away from home for awhile, you feel the need to get together. People like to be part of a team or a group or an organization. It's almost like family."