The occasion was the annual picnic for special needs children hosted by the Dickinson area Golden K Club. Some were firing up the grill for the hamburgers and hot dogs, while the others were mixing the lemonade and getting paper on the long picnic tables. The Nescos were warming; the coffee pot was perking and the fresh morning rolls were brought in for the workers to enjoy.

Excitement grew as the morning wore on. So much to do and time was moving fast. The special needs children and their aides were soon arriving and things needed to be in place by 10 a.m. These special kids come from the area schools of Norway, Niagara, Crystal Falls, Kingsford and Iron Mountain.

The horses and wagon arrived from Wilson, and the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers were permeating the park. Happy children filed off their busses and found their way to the games. Delighted squeals echoed when the nickels were found in the sawdust, the bean bag went through the hole on the board and the basketball scores were adding higher.

Ray Pilon of Niagara, Wis. set up his equipment on the pavilion stage and the music began along with dancing for the kids, their aides, and Golden K members. The kids lined up to get their picnic lunch and relishes. They later enjoyed ice cream and cookies served by GK member Bob Bowman and his son Bill. RSVP Director Kathy Arnold came in time to take pictures of the activities.

Al Calcari and Bill Roberts man the grill.

Always behind the scenes are the GK members who buy and bring the necessary items needed for a picnic of this size. They make arrangements for horse and buggy rides, clowns, and with the DIISD staff and schools.

Thanks to Paul Ward, Bill Roberts, Lorraine Luba, and Bill and Margaret Trudell who have faithfully handled organizing this for so many years.

Thanks also to all the 30 some Golden K members who smiled and worked tirelessly; to the area schools and staff — especially these special kids who bring us enjoyment in seeing their joy, excitement, and participation. It’s always a great time.

The Golden K will meet again on Monday at the Presbyterian Church on Hamilton Avenue in Kingsford. Meetings begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. If you enjoy singing oldies come earlier, or help set up the coffee and rolls. New members are always welcome.

The Golden Throats will sing at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Victoria Pines on E. Grant Street in Iron Mountain.

Golden K member Ron Jouppi, right, helps with the bag toss game.

The Golden K hosted their annual picnic for special needs youth on Tuesday at City Park in Iron Mountain.