By Frank Hermens
Correspondent

Picnics are back.

As a kid growing up in Denmark, I looked forward to three events: The Maribel Picnic, All Saints Picnic and the Denmark Horse Pull.

Growing up Catholic, I was aware of all these magical events happening all summer at all these different churches.

My favorite, of course, was the music – from polka to rock to country.

Frank Hermans

I remember watching the fingers of idolized guitar players from the area trying to figure out “Hotel California” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

I even dug the Jolly Coppersmiths and some other famous polka bands from the area.

Let us go to a church picnic, shall we?

Google defines a picnic as “an excursion or outing with food usually provided by members of the group eaten in the open.”

What should be added is “beer-drinking, gambling and music are usually prevalent.”

Festivals and other events are aplenty after an 18-month layoff.

My family and I could not be happier.

Here are some of my favorites coming up:

• St. Louis Church-Dyckesville Summer Festival is Sunday, July 25.

This picnic is a blast and the location is so scenic on a hill overlooking the bay.

Events start at 10 a.m. with a polka mass, town parade at 11:15 a.m. and music from noon to 4 p.m.

Events also include one of the largest car shows in the area, and you can register the day of.

The food is amazing too; with Belgian Trippe, homemade Belgian pies and many more selections.

• Prince of Peace Church Picnic in Green Bay is Sunday, Aug. 8.

Back in the day, we called it the Finger Road Picnic – the best bands and the best booyah (they invented it; did you know that?).

They have a ticket raffle for a chance to win $10,000, I’m in.

Music by Chad Przybyiski and his Polka Rhythms and Next Myle (country, rock).

• All Saints Church Picnic in Denmark is Sunday, Aug. 22.

This one is a polka extravaganza as hometown polka man Jerry Voelker and the Jolly Gents play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. then bring on The Newtonburg Brass Band.

It is going to be a hoot.

Get those polka shoes on – there is lots of room to dance.

I had a short conversation with Tammy Hermans (no relation) about the St. Louis-Dyckesville Summer Festival.

Hermans said, “We had to cancel our biggest fundraiser of the season last year, we are so excited to have it back. We had over 180 cars in our car show in 2019 so we are expecting a large turnout.”

Area musicians who have been patiently waiting to show their craft are back in action after honing their skill for the last year, and the pay is awesome, too.

Get out to a festival or church picnic this summer and support our community.

Together we are better, isolation just gets boring.

See ya next time.

Editor’s note: To read another Frank’s Favorite, CLICK HERE.