WOODLAWN — Ald. Willie Cochran (20th), whose ward includes Woodlawn, Back of The Yards and portions of Englewood, will host his eighth annual Back-To-School Picnic for families on Saturday.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Washington Park, 600 E. 60th St. Families will enjoy free food, music and games, face painting, martial arts demonstrations, fishing lessons and pony rides. Cochran said all children living in the 20th Ward would also receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
Free shuttle bus service will be provided to and from the picnic for seniors and Back of The Yards residents, who Cochran said have to travel the farthest to reach Washington Park.
"The picnic is our biggest event of the year, bringing in hundreds of residents, community organizations, and local businesses from all over the 20th Ward, from 47th and Ashland all the way to 63rd and Stony Island," Cochran said. "The picnic is far more than a picnic with free backpacks and school supplies. Our picnic is an opportunity for all of our residents to come together to support our children and build strong communities."
New this year at the picnic, which Cochran said drew 800 people last year, will be more than 20 community partners and organizations participating in a resource fair.
Among the vendors will be St. Bernard Hospital and Healthcare center, which will bring its mobile clinic to conduct physicals and offer vaccinations; Athena Dental Institute and The Heart that Smiles Mobile Dentists will be on site for dental screenings, cleanings, and fluoride treatments; and the DuSable Museum of African American History will bring its mobile museum for children to enjoy.
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