The first McKendree Chapel Cemetery Picnic was held in 1901. Sadly, the final one, the 125th, will take place this Saturday, August 29.
The cemetery is located along the Bond-Clinton County line road, a few miles west of Keyesport, on the Bond County side.
Jeff Leidel talked to Cemetery Board members Diana Doll and Dave Laws regarding the final picnic.
They expressed their appreciation to the families, friends, volunteers and community members who have supported the picnic through the generations.
The decision to discontinue the event is not due to financial problems. Organizers said the cemetery has been fortunate to have board members who carefully managed its finances, including saving enough money to purchase the property in 1997.
Instead, changing traditions and an aging group of volunteers have made it increasingly difficult to continue the picnic. The property itself has also become less suitable for older residents to attend such an event.
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Food will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. There will be live music, games, a cake walk and fellowship. Everyone is invited.
