Ron McVey has been involved with the annual New Holland Fiddler's Picnic since its inception. He remembers Eleanor Hart, Dot and Bud Hollinger, and Jack Williams working with him, as he served as master of ceremonies of the event, which was based on a fiddler's picnic he coordinated in Chester County. "(New Holland Summer Arts Program (NHSAP) members) heard about (the Chester County) picnic and found out we ran that one," recalled McVey. "(They) came down to see us about starting one in New Holland." After seeing how the Chester County event was run, NHSAP held New Holland's first picnic in 1992, but it was held on the Saturday of the July Fourth weekend before being moved to Labor Day.

This year's NHSAP Fiddler's Picnic will be held in the New Holland Park on East Jackson Street on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fiddlers are encouraged to arrive around 8 a.m. to reserve a slot on the park stage.

In addition to string players, individuals who play the accordion, harmonica, or keyboard may visit the park to join in on well-known favorites such as "Rocky Top," "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," "Orange Blossom Special," and "Golden Slippers." Country and bluegrass tunes are staples of the event.

The picnic portion of the event is supplied by the New Holland Lions Club, which brings its food trailer and offers items for purchase. According to Lions Club representative James Bronson, club members will serve hamburgers, barbecued chicken, hot ham sandwiches, chicken corn soup, hot dogs, sides, and beverages. NiCE SiZE FRiES and Schaatz Ice Cream will be on-site.

NHSAP is an all-volunteer organization that has existed in New Holland for more than three decades. The organization averages more than 20 concerts per summer in the park. New volunteers are welcome. Help is especially needed with setting up prior to concerts and clearing the park afterward. Volunteers to accept freewill offerings during intermissions are also sought.

NHSAP volunteer Sue Noll noted that this year's picnic will include all the special traditions of celebrating the waning days of summer. "It's all to bring people to enjoy our beautiful park ... to bring families here," Noll said.

No admission will be charged for the Fiddler's Picnic, but freewill offerings will be received throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Readers who would like more information about the Fiddler's Picnic or the Summer Arts Program may visit http://www.newhollandsummerarts.com, search for "New Holland Summer Arts Association" on Facebook, or email newhollandsummerartsassoc@gmail.com.