The Montgomery County Committee Against Hate and Violence invites the community to the eighth Montgomery County Friendship Picnic will take place Sunday, Sept. 19 from 12 – 5 p.m. at the Wheaton Regional Park located at 2000 Shorefield Road. The free event brings people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a stronger community.

All are welcome to this celebration, which includes traditional, Kosher, Halal and vegetarian lunch options. There will be a wide range of activities for children and adults including musical performances, train rides, carousel, Zumba, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations and more.

In addition to the recreation activities there will be opportunities for small group conversations to discuss how to move toward a nonviolent community peaceably and respectfully. Everyone’s thoughts are valued, and all will be heard.

Event sponsors include the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission, the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and the Montgomery County Executive’s Faith Community Working Group, Montgomery Parks, the Montgomery County Police and the County Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of Health and Human Services African American Health Program

While the event is free, registration is strongly encouraged.