LEON — Leon residents past and present gathered Saturday, Aug. 16 to enjoy a time of fellowship and lots of good food for the annual town picnic.

The fire commissioners and town board members showed off their culinary skills, and the auxiliary assisted with the serving. Picnic attendees brought their own specialty dishes to add to the spread.

Reminiscing was a highlight for many. Of particular interest was the Penny Royal display, which brought many memories of times long gone.

The children enjoyed games under the guidance of Jackie Ellis. The sawdust pile filled with coin is always a popular diversion.

For the first time, a pie contest was held with 14 entries and winners selected by judges Tim Stockman and Deb Milliman. First place went to Donna Snyder for her apple crumb; Alyssa Seivert received second for her strawberry-rhubarb; and third was awarded to Peg Filock for her apple crumb.

Honorable mention issalso given to Elizabeth Milliman for her triple berry, Peg Filock for her peaches and cream and Donna Snyder for her Kentucky Pecan/Bourbon pie. Picnicgoers were able to enjoy a slice of their favorite pie for dessert.

Two local bakers offered samples of their wares to promote their businesses — Alyssa Seivert’s Little Bitty L’oven located on Milestrip Road in South Dayton, and Markie Parks’s Dailey Bread located on Main Street in Cherry Creek.

A wine and cheese basket, valued at over $300, brought in $160 and was won by Doreen Frost, the 50/50 ($53 for half) was won by Jackie Ellis and the door prize (a hand-knit afghan) was won by Holly Abers. Declaring that she had many at home already, she asked for a redraw and it was awarded to Alicia Reukauf.

The wine and cheese basket was a compilation of items from local businesses and included gift cards, scratch-off tickets, wines, cheeses, cutting board, honey, jams, snacks and more. Many thanks to all who contributed to filling the basket and those who bought tickets.

This annual event, always on the third Saturday of August, was sponsored by the combined efforts of the Leon Fire Commissioners, the town board, the Leon Historical Society and the Leon Fire Department and Auxiliary.

Next year’s picnic is slated for Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.