A brief history of the AICS Irish Picnic

Aug 13

By Mary Rose Kerg

Next to the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the picnic put on by the All-Ireland Social Club (as it was known then) was the second biggest event of the year from the time the club was formed in 1939.

Going back to the 1960s, the picnic was held at what is now known as Jantzen Beach Mall. That location back then included picnic areas, a dance hall, and rides like the ones operating at Oaks Park.

The AISC picnic back then would run from 10 a.m. until dusk. More than 200 people would attend. About half of them were born in Ireland.

I believe the food was potluck. I remember four to five kegs of beer. The children would have all kinds of races. There would be a few bales of hay where money would be hidden for the kids to find. (Ed. note. No needles.)

There were lots of games for adults, too, including tug-of-war for the guys, who would represent their counties in Ireland as they competed. In the evening, the musicians would come together for a few hours of music and dancing.

When Jantzen Beach park closed, the Irish Club moved to various parks for quite a few years until they settled on Clackamas Park near Bob’s Red Mills. Though the turn out for the picnic has declined over the years. the fun and socializing with all our Irish friends remain strong and keep the Irish Picnic tradition alive

Thaks to Father Brown, the All-Ireland Cultural Society has had the annual picnic at the Grove in Linnton, on the grounds of St. Birgitta church for about 30 years. It’s our favorite place and we see the future of Irsh picnics there for years to come. It is still one of the most enjoyable events of the year for us.