Many Cook County residents head to Arizona for the winter and before the “snowbirds” head back north, they gather for a Cook County – Arizona picnic—enjoying the sunshine while they still can! John Gilbertson, his wife Edith and daughter Margaret were among the 2011 attendees.
The 12th annual “Cook County Picnic” was held at the El Dorado RV Park clubhouse on Meridian Drive in Apache Junction, Arizona on Saturday, Feb. 26. Forty-eight folks gathered at the clubhouse— former Cook County residents, snowbirds and other friends and families.
All enjoyed the potluck organized by Jean Malner, with help from Chuck and Ruth Ann Tice, Dwight and Cheryl Smith, and Dick and Bobbie Bockovich.
A unanimous yes vote was arrived at as to whether or not to hold another Arizona “Cook County” picnic on the last Saturday in February of 2012. So, if you’re in the Phoenix area next year, please keep the date in mind. All are welcome.
The first Cook County picnics were held in March in Mesa, Arizona during the 1960s. Earl and Andrea Odean organized them along with several other Grand Marais couples, and the gatherings continued for a number of years.
Then in the 1970s, other picnics were organized by retired Pastor Joyce and Margaret Ranum with help from other Grand Marais people. They were held at the Pichacho State Park until it again stopped.
Above: Also enjoying the wonderful potluck lunch was Rolf Skrien. Left: Andrea Odean, one of the original Cook County – Arizona Picnic organizers.
It is believed the Cook County – Arizona picnic was resurrected in 2000, with co-organizers Jerry and Jean Malner, Harry and Rosemary Lamson with help from Chuck and Ruth Ann Tice. The first two picnics were scheduled for Prospector Park in Apache Junction on the first Saturday in March, but, the second was ruined by bad weather, so it was moved to El Dorado Park that day, where it is now held.
A number of picnics were held at the clubhouse of Harry and Rosemary Lamson’s Sunland Village.
It was also decided by vote then that the date should be moved to the end of February, as a number of the “Snowbirds” leave for up north before the beginning of March.
Leave a Reply