By Nancy Johnson
Correspondent

Penn Township doesn’t do anything halfway, and the annual Health & Wellness Picnic, co-sponsored by Jennersville Regional Hospital, is a prime example.

Now in its 11th year, the event is free for everyone, and as Penn Township Board of Supervisors chairman Curtis Mason says, “Not a nickel of the costs has ever come from taxpayer money.” Donations from local businesses and individuals make the event possible.

Each year, there are additions and changes to the program. One new addition this year was the Larry Tucker Band. The Delaware-based band plays a mix of blues, funk, and reggae. They focused on popular Motown classics, which were a hit with the crowd.

Jesse Garron’s Elvis Tribute Show, a mainstay of the event, was as entertaining as ever. Garron bills his show as “closest thing to the King,” and it’s hard to dispute.

Once again, the aroma of JR’s BBQ greeted guests. The Kennett Square caterers have cooked chicken every year since the picnic began. Owner Jimmy Riggens said, “I think we cook more every year. This is probably our biggest job, and we just love doing it.”

People began lining up at the food tent well before its scheduled start at noon. While they had to wait a while, people didn’t seem to mind, since all the food was free.

Jennersville Regional Hospital again hosted a large tent with activities and free health screenings. Visitors who engaged in activities could earn “bucks” that enabled them to enter raffles for prizes. Each year, new vendors join in this community event. Serenity Salon & Spa of West Grove sponsored a popular tent that offered free, five-minute massages, and face painting by students from the Technical College High School.

Karen Versuk, the township’s information officer, believes this year’s event may top the record for attendance. “Once again, we were blessed with great weather,” she said with a smile.