Wed., June 5, volunteers, visiting royalty, and current and future Big Lake Ambassadors showed up to Lakeside Park for their annual royal picnic. All wondered if the rain was going to pass and allow enjoyment for the evening or if they were going to have to move the picnic inside.   

Everyone received the answer at approximately 5 p.m. 

Big Lake Fire Department

Laurel Merten, Program Director for the Big Lake Ambassadors, had a back-up plan.  The BLFD had volunteered to open their garage to picnic goers.  Big Lake Ambassadors and candidates helped set up chairs and tables and everyone lent a hand to move things inside before it began to rain outside.  Within 45 minutes, members from the Princeton Ambassadors program, St. Michael Royalty, Maple Lake Royalty, Miss St. Francis Ambassadors, and others gathered together to eat the meals they had brought.  After the meal, the Big Lake Ambassadors handed out Johnny Pops and root beer floats.  The Firehouse was abuzz with laughter and lively conversation.  Smiles were seen on many faces.  The inclement weather and change of venue did not diminish anyone’s spirit. 

St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty

Klondike Kate and members of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty were on hand.  Kate led the gathered crowd in a rendition of the song, “Get Happy”.   Earlier, volunteers, Big Lake Ambassadors, and members of the BLFD participated in a knighting ceremony dubbing them Knights of the Realm.  Big Lake Firefighters were given a special thank you and declared Protectors of Picnics. 

Other Activities

Current Ambassadors quizzed this year’s candidates in a Q&A session called, “The Potato Bowl” where questions were randomly drawn from a potato shaped bowl.  They included such topics as team building, friendship, and bullying.  One candidate was asked what makes Big Lake special, her answer was, “Everyone is so caring and generous.”

The rain subsided enough so that everyone could move outside for a group picture of all the Ambassador teams and Royal families and everyone again moved back inside for a potato eating contest.

The picnic, the rain, and the change of venue were the perfect combination to demonstrate the grit and determination of those gathered, but especially that of this year’s reigning Ambassadors and candidates, who would not let adverse circumstances get them down.