There are picnics then there’s the Rhode Island Association of Elks Annual 365 Outing.

After all, how many cookouts have 1,700 plus guests, 160 volunteers, special appearances by the Rhode Island Shriners famed clowns, a long list of dignitaries headed by Gov. Daniel McKee and including Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi, State Sen. Mark McKenney, Grand Lodge Appointee Leo Blanchette, RI Elks President Arthur Jacques and Shrine Potentate Mike Brito.

Add to that Exalted Rulers from all 10 Elks Lodges in the state as well as lodge officers, Tri-City’s PER/Trustee Deb Mangina and valuable volunteer Maureen Sullivan who are responsible for notifying residences throughout Rhode Island that house young people and adults with special needs.

The outing was held at the waterfront Masonic Youth Center located off Long Road in Warwick.

 In the center of it all was Mark Eaton, who has held many state, regional and national Elks positions during his successful tenure and has chaired what’s known as the RI Elks Major State Project for the past 12 years.

 “We had a GREAT Day!” Eaton exclaimed while thanking a host of helpers and contributors. “The weather was perfect; the Governor was here along with our mayor and elected officials, and we love hosting and helping these young adults who have special needs.”

In keeping with tradition, there were gifts and food aplenty for each and every guest.

 “We had unlimited hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, chips and watermelon,” Eaton explained while thanking Jacques, who again served as grill master. “We also had 2,000 cans of soda and 1,000 bottles of chilled water that were generously donated by Tom Zompa (chairman of special needs at the West Warwick Lodge) and his family.”

Likewise, the Lombardi family that owns and operates famed New England Frozen Lemonade that’s based in Warwick had a truck on site and driver who worked non-stop serving guests and volunteers.

 “We love doing this,” said Mangina, a trustee and former Exalted Ruler at Tri-City Lodge 14, who along with Sullivan, Joann Maguire and other volunteers served as greeters and helped give guests what Eaton said was 4,000 strings of colored beads. Many guests also received blow-up beach balls and guitars while some 300 folks went home with real watches.

The event also featured “The Great Baldini” – a.k.a. magician Tom Holmes – and most guests and even Elk’s members also had fun dancing to the lively music played by Lodge 14’s resident DJ/Chef Rob Caramante.

Add to that many guests lining up to get washable tattoos courtesy of Kim Swanson, Lodge 14’s Loyal Knight and Abby Fletcher, daughter of Exalted Ruler Jim Fletcher, who put smiles on dozens of people’s faces with unique different and creative designs.

When asked how much the event cost, Eaton said with a smile: “It’s all paid for by Elks at the 10 lodges in the state who willingly contribute three dollars and 65 cents from his or her annual dues. That’s why we call it the 365 Outing.”

  An unmatched picnic, if you will, people concurred, that epitomizes the Elks credo: “Elks Care, Elks Share” and in this case above and beyond any other event.