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Picnic in the Park with Mercer, Sunday October 4

Don't miss a great Savannah tradition! Join us for Picnic in the Park on Sunday October 4, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. as we celebrate the life of Savannah native and songwriter Johnny Mercer. Pack your picnic basket and enjoy a memorable afternoon with fine music, food and friends.

Johnny Mercer’s legacy will be embodied by the sounds of the
Savannah Arts Academy Orchestra and the Savannah Arts Academy Skyelite Jazzband who will open the show. The entertainment continues with the Picnic in the Park Mercer Band featuring vocalists Trae Gurley, Roger Moss, Gina Rene' and Huxsie Scott.

Picnic in the Park Schedule of Events
(Times are approximate)
3:00 - 5:00 PM - Picnic Competition Registration
5:00 - 6:30 PM - Picnic Competition Judging
4:30 - Savannah Arts Academy Orchestra
5:45 - Savannah Arts Academy Skyelite Jazz Band
7:00 - Picnic in the Park Mercer Band & Vocalists

View the 2009 Program!

Picnic in the Park program.pdf
Enter your picnic spread for a chance to win great prizes! Here's a few tips to help you with this year's contest.
#1: Stick to a theme. In celebration of the Johnny Mercer Centennial, this year’s picnic has a theme – guess who? Johnny Mercer! The first thing the judges are looking for is incorporation of this theme. Think of a specific song or an aspect of Johnny Mercer’s life to guide your design. The judges will be looking for decorations, display, food and costumes that adhere to the chosen theme.

#2: Get creative.
Spending lots of money doesn't guarantee a win. Picnics are judged on overall layout and design, and innovative display is valued over extravagance. Try to use household items rather than spending money on special purpose decor. Consider portability as well--you’ll have to bring in and take away your picnic on foot!

#3: Be courteous. Large picnics with tents should be set up on the outer sides of the green space so that other picnickers with blankets can still see and hear the concert. Bring a few trash bags with you for clean up of your picnic. Also, no grills please; they aren’t allowed in Forsyth Park.

#4: Be friendly
. Talk to the judges when they come to your picnic; let them know about your group and some of the ideas you came with.

#5: Involve the whole family and have fun!
In the case of the family category, judges look for a picnic that clearly displays everyone's involvement, regardless of age.

Picnic contest registration is free. Prizes are awarded to first, second and third place, as well as one prize for Best Family. The Picnic in the Park Mercer Band will perform two sets beginning at 7 p.m.; picnic contest winners will be announced during their intermission. For more information on the picnic contest, please contact Meaghan Walsh at meaghanwalsh81@gmail.com.

Picnic in the Park is free and open to the public, and made possible by the City of Savannah in collaboration with the Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee.


Picnic Contest Prize Donors:


Leopold's Ice Cream
Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
The South magazine
TailsSpin
B. Matthews
Blowin’ Smoke
Picnic contest prize donors
Savannah Danse Theatre
City of Savannah
Starbucks
Working Class Studio
Angela Hopper Photography
River Street Merchants
Savannah Sand Gnats
Friends of Tybee
Theater
Telfair Museum
Lucas Theatre


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