With a decline in manpower and volunteers, the Benedum Festival – as it has been known for the past several years – will not take place this summer. However, some of the traditions for which the festival is known will continue said past Chair Jason McCall.

 

In the community spirit of Michael Benedum, the City of Bridgeport will host “Picnic in the Park” Saturday, July 2 at Bridgeport City Park.

 

The one-day event will feature a pet parade, live music, fireworks, hog roast, bounce house, water slide and even zip lining. And while city residents are enjoying those activities, funds will be raised for Bridgeport’s own Jack Rollins, a 5-year-old who is battling neuroblastoma.

 

At the helm of fundraising efforts is Alden Smith, a Bridgeport High School freshman.

“What we’re doing is a superhero playground,” she said. “We’re gathering donations from different companies and people around the community to hold a small carnival-type event in one of the baseball fields. All proceeds from that will help Jack.”

 

Games include tug-of-war, sack races, egg-and-spoon race, a duck pond, football toss and more. Also on site will be face painting and an appearance by a superhero cartoon character.

 

“We’re planning to incorporate more games, depending upon what donations we bring in,” Smith said.

 

To keep participants hydrated, water and sports drinks will be available for purchase. The Superhero Playground will be open 2-10 p.m.

 

The idea for the fundraiser came about when Smith was still a student at Bridgeport Middle School.

 

“It came from one of our projects we had to do in history class this past year. We were doing an economic section and one of our goals was to create a business or gathering of some sort to help the community,” she said. “My thought was that we should do something to get the community working as a group – maybe like a 4^th of July fireworks celebration. Then I thought about Jack Rollins and how we all want to help him.”

 

Smith said she proposed her idea to Mayor Bob Greer who, along with other city representatives, thought it would be a good tie-in to the Picnic in the Park already in progress.

“So now we’re doing it in collaboration with this event and we hope to bring in a lot of people so we can help Jack,” she said.

 

Picnic in the Park will get under way at 10 a.m. with the pet parade. Pets can be brought to the City Park parking lot for on-site registration. Ribbons will be awarded following the parade.

 

At 2 p.m., zip lining, the obstacle course, bounce house, water slide and children’s games will begin. Provided by CityNet, a hog roast will start at 4 p.m. Hotdogs will also be served. From 5-9:30 p.m., music will be provided by Midnight Karnival & Marquis 66, after which there will be a fireworks display. Shade structures will be set up for attendees. Cold drinks will be provided throughout the day. Fellowship Bible Church will provide snow cones and popcorn. Residents are asked to bring lawn chairs and bathing suits and enjoy the day. 

 

Editor's Note: Top/cover photo was taken by Ben Queen Photography during the 2015 Benedum Festival at Bridgeport City Park.