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It took about three seconds before my heart began to melt.

There she was, a little girl of about 3. She was wearing thick-lens glasses, and through her long, flowing hair, looked up at me as she grabbed a hold of my leg.

Her face radiated with a genuine smile that only a child can have; only a child who had been cared for could have, only a child who has yet to worry about the world we live in could have.

I was hooked.

The child was at the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford. With a room full of other children about her age, she sought attention.

She got it. All she wanted.

Nearby, a little boy had a ball and wanted to play catch. A little girl had drawn a picture and was looking for someone to admire it.

The late Taylor Slye had arranged that trip to the “orphanage” so we at the newspaper would know why the Masonic lodges in Davie County held the Masonic Picnic every year. Proceeds go to the home. Slye was instrumental in keeping the picnic as a vital part of the community until his death, but it was hard.

Times, they were a changing.

There were fewer people joining the Masonic lodges, making it harder to produce a big event. The amusement rides became too expensive, at about the same time such small carnivals were going by the wayside, giving away to the Strates fairs and Carowinds of the world. People became more mobile, able to travel farther for their entertainment choices.

And yet, the picnic continued.

It dwindled from a week-long event to a single day meal, then to a partial day with a handful of Masons and other supporters attending.

But it’s coming back. It’s different, but it’s back. And for the 145th year, Davie Masons will sponsor the annual picnic this Saturday at the picnic grounds off Poplar Street in Mocksville. There is no admissions, but Masons will be at the gate collecting donations for the Masonic home. The dinosaur exhibit, music and other activities will be free. Food trucks and other vendors will have items for sale.

Known as “The Picnic” by locals, just about everybody over a certain age has a favorite picnic memory – and most don’t involve food.

My dad learned a lesson. His family didn’t get to town often, but he had an acre of cotton he tended and sold to have money to go to the picnic. He lost it at a spinning wheel taking the chance at a prize.

My own favorite memories mostly involve friends. The picnic was always in mid-August, and we children went to the picnic to see many of our friends we hadn’t seen since school had let out. There was always a chance to win a prize for a favorite girl, or to try to pretend you’re not scared when she rocks the seat as you’re stopped at the height of the ferris wheel.

Yes, the picnic was fun.

It still is.

It just needs you. Stop by, and be generous when a Mason asks for a donation.

Think about that happy, smiling little girl, who just wanted some attention. Think about that little boy who wanted to play catch.

And feel good when you reach a little deeper into your pockets.

– Mike Barnhardt