Best Bites: Outdoor Grill Fest Fun
By Donna Erickson
Have Outdoor Grill Fest Fun With Family and Friends
Open wide windows and doors to welcome in warm weather, friends and outdoor activities! Relaxing weekends are ahead and made just for gathering people together for a picnic at a city park or right on your own turf. A family-style get-together can kick off this longed-for new season with a superlative gathering including the people you know and want to get to know.
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
Keep it low-key and relax in the knowledge that being together with family, friends and newcomers in your community is the key ingredient that makes an event especially fun and memorable. Of course, some of the basics like burgers and potato salad might be essential to your gathering, but conversations, giggles, hugs, off-kilter moments, and laughter become the lasting impressions that children cherish.
Here are some ideas for prepping a grill fest for all ages:
Get Everyone Involved: Once you decide on a place and time, divide prep responsibilities for salads, veggies, grilling, desserts, games and entertainment among individuals and families. For example, if cousin Jessica plays the guitar, ask her to bring it along for a rousing songfest. If Uncle Pete plays the fiddle, you'll no doubt get everyone dancing with his music. Get kids' assistance in shucking corn (match tasks to the appropriate ages and skill levels), or encourage others to stage a humorous play or a bicycle-and pet parade.
Beverage Center: Fill a small kiddie pool with bags of crushed ice. Bury canned sodas, juices, sparkling water, watermelon and water balloons in the ice. While the drinks and fruit stay chilled, the balloons will be ready for some cool-down wet fun after the meal.
Fun and Games: Create an atmosphere of activity with active games to play. Setting equipment out encourages people to participate and interact. Bring your ping pong table outside and create a tourney grid to keep players and fans engaged in lively competition. Set out a bubble brew with bubblers, chalk for hopscotch, jump ropes, and baseball gloves. Why not even play a round or two of musical chairs?
Grill Fest Pics: Snap some candid group photos with people posed in a large empty frame, hanging from a tree branch.
Plant a Family Tree: Do you have a favorite picnicking spot? Somewhere at Aunt Chloe's vineyard or in your grandfather's backyard? Plant a "family tree" in honor of a loved one at the location you choose and watch it grow over the years -- right along with the children who planted it.
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at Donna Erickson's website, www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2026 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.