Above: The Venice Neighborhood Council’s 9th annual Community BBQ & Potluck Picnic returns this Saturday, Aug. 8 at Oakwood Park. Photo Courtesy VenicePaparazzi.com.
By Jess Linde
The Venice Neighborhood Council’s 9th Annual Community Barbeque and Potluck Picnic will return to Oakwood Park this Saturday, Aug. 8.
From noon to 4 pm, VNC invites the Venice community to come and meet their neighbors, play games, and of course, eat.
“[The VNC] hosts this to reach out to stakeholders in Venice, talk to them, and communicate with each other as residents,” VNC Parliamentarian Ivan Spiegel told Yo! Venice. “It’s a day of fun.”
Food served will include chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork, and will be grilled by Venice’s own LAFD Station #63 for all to enjoy.
The grilling will be led by retired Fire Chief Jeremiah Johnson, and “master grillers” Todd von Hoffmann and Michael Watkins.
Over half a ton of meat will be cooked in all. Venetians who are planning on coming to the event are encouraged to bring their own salads, desserts, and other sides.
Elected officials from the city, state, and federal level will be in attendance to eat and interact with the community as well.
“Councilman Mike Bonin has a table and office hours at the event, as will other officials,” Spiegel said. “It is our job to represent them and their interests, so we want to have a good time and help with that here.”
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Lobo Man, and the bands The Potential Suitors, Ocean Front Walk, and headliners The Gumbo Brothers.
There will also be a watermelon eating contest, a bounce house, and a special game of tug-of-war with the firefighters, among other games and activities for guests of all ages.
“We want people to come and celebrate Venice and meet their neighbors,” Spiegel said. “These events are successful because it is the community coming together.”
Oakwood Park is located at 767 California Ave., Venice. For more information, visit www.venicenc.org.
