Fall River picnic feeds needy at annual event

By Ric Oliveira, Standard-Times staff writer

FALL RIVER -- While the rain was a no-show, more than 500 people turned out yesterday for Jack Oliveira's 10th annual summer picnic at Heritage State Park.

On hand were many of the city's needy, as well as many of the region's politicians.

Both Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson and sheriff candidate Rep. Joseph McIntyre, D-New Bedford, were flipping burgers, as were District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr. and State Rep. David Sullivan, D-Fall River.

For many people, the free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and watermelon made the day complete beside the Battleship Massachusetts.

"It's good for the kids," said Kim Couturier, who brought along two children of her own. "It is a nice place for the family."

Rachel Desroot couldn't agree more.

"I love the food," she said. "I love to watch the boats go by and see the battleship."

For Mr. Oliveira, whose Rocking Horse Pub restaurant sponsors Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the needy, the summer event is just one more chance to give back to his community.

"Well, the weather has held up and it is 10 years now and it has never rained on my parade," Mr. Oliveira said. "We open this up to everyone. We have lots of children coming down, senior citizens and people from the shelters. We open it up for people who may live on a third floor and have no yard to hold a cook-out or a picnic," he said

Mr. Oliveira said the picnic is always well attended.

"It gives people a chance to get out, have some fun and relax in beautiful Fall River at Battleship Cove," he said.

Supporters of the event also liked seeing the crowds dancing to music provided by Mike Moran and enjoying the food cooked by the local political leadership.

"We didn't come because we wanted a hot dog," said Priscilla Brightman, a supporter of the event. "You can tell it is a success by looking at the kids dance and having a great time. I would love to see this continue for a long, long time."

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T O D A Y 'S
N E W S
June 25, 1998