LAC LA BICHE – For nearly eight decades, the Venice Picnic has drawn people from near and far for a day of fun, food, and socialization.
The 2025 edition of the annual event took place on June 1 at the Venice Heritage Park.
There was no shortage of things to do on the slightly cool though sunny afternoon.
A hearty meal of homemade chicken cacciatore, salad, and desserts was on offer in the basement of St. Anne’s Church, located on the grounds of the park. Outside, children and adults could check out the petting zoo, participate in archery, play bingo, and watch a baseball tournament that took place throughout the day and featured youth teams from across the Lac La Biche region.
The Venice Picnic, which is a long-running tradition dating back to 1946, is organized by the Venice-Hylo Heritage, Historical and Preservation Society (HHP). The nonprofit organization looks after the park as well as St. Anne’s.
The church, which replaced Holy Redeemer in the early 1960s, was closed as an operating parish within the Diocese of St. Paul in 2013. The building has remained open for historical purposes.
“It’s always a privilege” to host the event, says Les Biollo, president of the HHP Society. “It’s great to get all our people together to put this thing on.”
Biollo, who grew up in the Venice area, has many fond memories of attending the community event throughout the years. These memories include watching the ball teams who come to Venice to play for the day, the customary spaghetti meal that is served, and simply having the opportunity to enjoy the day with family, friends and neighbours.
Laurie Beniuk came with her children to check out the petting zoo and other attractions that were on offer.
“It’s a good activity,” Beniuk said of the annual community picnic, adding that it keeps the family busy.
Christina Biollo, a resident of Edmonton who has relatives living in the Venice area, also stopped by the park for the festivities. She has been attending the picnic since she was very young.
“I like seeing all my family and seeing friends that I haven’t seen in a long time,” Biollo said.
