Noodle-Making Tradition for Labor Day Picnic Continues at St. Michael’s Parish

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published August 13, 2019 4:35 am
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FRYBURG, Pa. (EYT) – Members of the St. Michael Rosary Society and other parish members gathered last week in Fryburg to make the homemade noodles for the Labor Day Picnic.

St. Michael’s Labor Day Picnic is held annually on Labor Day with the traditional all-you-can-eat chicken and ham dinners, featuring homemade noodle soup, breads, and desserts.

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The meal will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event also includes various booths on the grounds, games of chance, Bingo, and several raffles.

This year’s Labor Day Picnic will be held on Monday, September 2, 2019, on the parish grounds at 18765 Route 208 in Fryburg, Pa.

The event will be held rain or shine as it is under cover. Plenty of outdoor seating will be available on the grounds for visiting.

Click here for a full schedule of events.

History of the Labor Day Picnic

On July 23, 1898, Father August Hoeing became pastor of St. Michael Church. Early in his pastorate, he began the now-famous Labor Day Picnic. It was held in the Ginkel hickory grove, and food was then the main attraction. The women of the parish provided baskets of chicken, cookies, cakes, and pies. Tables were set up in the grove, and food was served from the house.

A few stands sold fancywork and trinkets, but the most often remembered was the stand selling bologna. A large pavilion was built for dancing, and Peter Ginkel, playing a handcrafted violin, often provided the music.

Eventually, the crowd swelled, and the grove became too small. The picnic was moved to its present location adjacent to the parish hall.

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