CBJF Volunteer Picnic 2025
Posted on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 by Juli Lindenmayer.
On Tuesday, July 1, Visit Gahanna put together its annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic for those who gave their time, energy, and effort for Gahanna’s largest event of the year, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival.
The theme was “Beach Party,” and guests were encouraged to wear their flip-flops, sunglasses, beach hats, and any Hawaiian shirts they had that best encapsulated the relaxing and fun vibes a summer beach party brings. Visit Gahanna Staff prepped the Friendship Park’s pavilion with blow-up colorful beach balls, sand pails for table center pieces, and small and large pink flamingos lining the walkway. There was even a dreamy background of a white-sanded beach and palm trees against a blue sky and sparkling waters. Quirky, themed sunglasses were left on tables for guests to grab a pair with a friend, a perfect photo opportunity for a souvenir or to publicly showcase your evening out.
However, the real star of the show was the buffet: a classic cookout-style menu featured grilled burgers, hot dogs (there were Impossible Burgers too, for those with dietary restrictions!), and all the toppings. Red-skinned potato salad and baked beans provided filling sides, and dessert options would leave guests to choose how they wanted to conclude their meal: with a savory snack of a variety of chips or a sweet treat of a variety of cookies. As of late, it has been high temperatures and high humidity in Columbus, Ohio; the Picnic provided beverages of lemonade, sweet tea, and tons of water for guests to keep cool and refreshed.
Music was playing over the speakers, the grill was filling the air with the aromatic smell of charcoal, and impromptu games of cornhole were being played. It was a perfect summer setting for a wonderful summer evening.
At the end of the evening, raffle tickets were handed out for the chance to win gift card prizes from different Gahanna-area locations, like Coldstone Creamery and Bubbles Tea and Juice Company. The various volunteer groups, like the Masons, Gahanna Moms, and Kiwanis received their financial gifts and took pictures with Executive Director, Lori Kappes.
Lots of food was had, but plenty remained; guests were eager to help take home leftovers, thankfully saving us the hassle of bringing stuff back to the office and the resulting lack of kitchen and refrigerator room! It was a super successful picnic – the largest and most attended one we’ve ever hosted!
To the Gahanna Residents, thank you, as always, for all of your help every year to help build a great community in Gahanna. We couldn’t do it without you, and we can’t wait to see you again next year!