The annual Flush Picnic drew more than a thousand people to the small Pottawatomie County town for its 80th year of the popular event. Musical entertainment was just part of the festivities at Wednesday’s night’s annual Flush Picnic. Fried chicken, a variety of pies, and all the fixings –and games and activities for the whole family made for a fun evening.
Father Mike Peterson is the Pastor at St. Bernard’s and St. Joseph of Flush has only been here for a few years, but is thankful for the money the fun event brings in. All the labor is donated, with the only expense busying the chicken. He estimated more than 1100 at the event–describing it as a “gorgeous night.” Election years bring in even more people although the perfect weather made this non-election year a good one for the social gathering and fund-raiser.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat was just one of the many on hand–and he recounts coming to the picnic several years ago when there was a dance associated with it. Riat enjoys the social atmosphere but also credits the hard work of church members. Riat’s teen-age son Morgan is continuing with the family tradition of attending the picnic, saying he can’t remember a year of not coming to the picnic. The young Riat says bingo is his favorite part of the event.
Stan Herman and his wife of 40 years Rose Marie were looking forward to the chicken feast. Herman predicted the turn-out numbers will be high with the maybe largest crowd ever with the “beautiful” weather.
Singer and guitar player Joan Nelson of Olsburg has been singing at the Flush Picnic for a number of years, telling KMAN it’s fun to share her talent and people watch at the same time. And she says she shares a variety of music, with everything from Joni Mitchell to Waylon Jennings and Jethro Tull.
