By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/9/04)

The clouds that threatened to ruin the outdoor activities for the 129th annual Labor Day Picnic at the historic St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax reminded participants to pray for the victims of Hurricane Frances.

"For the people in Florida, this weather is a disaster," said Father Don Greenhalgh, pastor. "For us it’s an inconvenience."

During his homily, Father Greenhalgh encouraged the congregation to take time and go slowly to see everything life has to offer. He also addressed the many ways people find God in work, no matter how distinguished or menial.

Father Greenhalgh called the annual picnic an "integrating moment" that brings many volunteers together.

"God can work in good weather and in bad," Father Greenhalgh said.

He was also glad that earlier vandalism of the tombstones had been promptly fixed. After the news coverage on the vandalism, Kline’s Memorial donated time to come and repair the damage. Participants in the day’s activities could not tell that the tombstones had been toppled.

Suzanne Koucheravy, along with her husband Ed, chaired the planning needed for the day’s events. Despite the clouds, Koucheravy thought the day, expected to bring nearly 5,000 from the parish and surrounding community, was running smoothly.

"The food is here, it’s not raining — life is good," she said. All in all nearly 550 volunteers were needed to run the picnic. Planning for next year’s picnic started almost immediately after this year’s event.

The day was filled with many highlights that attracted the crowd. The Knights of Columbus, St. Mary of Sorrows Council, offered their time and service in the famous chicken dinner. Their "secret" marinade sauce was applied to the chicken via a watering can.

Various bands performed throughout the day as well. The Joyful Noise Choir from St. Mary Parish provided music for the Mass and also sang some light-hearted songs while people stood in line for food. The Alte Kameraden (Old Friends) Band, a German band in cultural attire created from members of the City of Fairfax band provided excellent music that got several of kids and parents dancing. The group, Vision, from St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax, had the tent participating in an hour of praise and worship tunes, and the day ended with an Irish band, Sior Og.

Games for kids included extravagant additions such as a rock wall, laser tag and air bounce. Younger children enjoyed the Ferris wheel, duck pond, plinko and lollipop grab. For adults, a game of Bingo occupied one corner of the property.

Congressman Tom Davis, R-Va., was also present throughout the day, speaking with constituents. His political helpers handed out balloons to children and stickers to adults.

Representatives from George Mason University’s campus ministry program spoke to teens about their programs and several booths offered a variety of jewelry, scarves, shirts and other artwork.

Carrie Bauer, a historian from Maryland, dressed as Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and gave talks throughout the day. Along with Barton’s story, Bauer explained a little of the history surrounding St. Mary Church. Barton, herself, once got off the train at the nearby Fairfax Station only to find a field of 3,000 soldiers, some wounded and many dead. The church was converted into a hospital for the soldiers and the cemetery became the final resting place for those who died.