Submitted by Jessie Ford
(October 28, 2025) — The “All Things Killingworth” Town Picnic on October 4, 2025 once again brought the community together for a day of hometown fun, food, and generosity—raising an impressive $9,000 to support two local causes.
Proceeds were split evenly between Deer Lake Outdoor Center (photo above, Amanda Bracket KWO President, left, with Jenn Carroll from Deer Lake) and the Kelly Allard Leach Foundation for Children with Spinal Injuries (photo below, Amanda Brackett KWO President, left, with John Leach and Sandy Allard from the Foundation), with each organization receiving $4,500.
The donation to Deer Lake Outdoor Center will fund eleven weeks of summer camp scholarships, giving local children the chance to experience the adventure and connection that come from spending time outdoors. The Kelly Allard Leach Foundation will use its funds to continue supporting families navigating the challenges of childhood spinal injuries, carrying on its mission of compassion and resilience.
“For us, hosting the picnic is about gratitude and giving back to a community that has been so supportive,” said Jenn Carroll, Director of Deer Lake Outdoor Center. “By creating a space where local nonprofits and businesses can share their visions with a wider audience, we continue to fuel a culture of collaboration and remember we rise by lifting up others.”
The 2025 picnic drew record crowds, with more than a hundred volunteers helping the day flow seamlessly (photo above, left to right, John Byrne and Bill Loth, Deer Lake Volunteers). Guests enjoyed a full line-up of entertainment, including a Cowboy Valley tribute, the lively Sanderson Sisters Show from the movie Hocus Pocus, the Bubble Truck, and performances by School of Rock Madison, PitchDrop, and the John Spignesi Band. Friendly competition filled the afternoon with a Lip-Sync Contest and Cornhole Tournament, while one of the most memorable moments came when A Place Called Hope released two rehabilitated red-tailed hawks back into the wild.
(Photo above, Kevin Mulcahey and Jessica Mulcahey)
“What makes the picnic so special is that it’s about more than one day—it’s about what we can do together as a community to highlight and celebrate our volunteers and nonprofits in town,” said Janet Colandrea, one of the event organizers. “These proceeds will help kids discover the magic of camp and bring comfort to families who need it most. That’s what community looks like.”
Local flavors were in full force with food from Fire in the Kitchen Pizza Truck, The Greenery, James Madison House, Sweet Emilia Ice Cream, and Cafe Laurel, and dozens of local artisans and nonprofits rounded out the day with shopping and community engagement.
(Photo above, left to right: JoAnn Poulsen, Mary Kay Fragola, Donna Fornal, Sandy Allard, Lisa Larson)
The event was made possible through the generous support of our diamond and platinum sponsors, including Barrelhouse (Diamond Sponsor), School of Rock Madison, WJ Financial Advisors LLC, CleanStar Restoration, Schumack Engineered Construction, and many other sponsors. And, of course, the event organizers, the Killingworth Women’s Organization and Deer Lake Outdoor Center. The “All Things Killingworth” Town Picnic continues to grow as a celebration of community spirit, volunteerism, and giving back.
All Things Killingworth is a community initiative dedicated to connecting residents, supporting local businesses, and celebrating all that makes Killingworth special. Through events like the Town Picnic, the organization raises funds for local causes that uplift and strengthen the community.
Photos provided by Killingworth Women’s Organization.
