The Coxhall Guild Presents Its Annual Posh Picnic

July 2021

Join us Saturday, Aug. 21, for a night of magic in Carmel’s most beautiful picnic spot! As many of us found ourselves seeking respite at local parks throughout this pandemic, a renewed appreciation for our communities’ parks and trails has emerged. It is the hope of the guild that you will join them in supporting one of Carmel’s most treasured amenities—Coxhall Gardens—by attending this “posh” and playful event.

What Is the Posh Picnic?

The third Annual Posh Picnic is a fundraising event organized by the Coxhall Guild at Cripe Pavilion at Coxhall Gardens. Guests are invited to bring their favorite people, culinary delights and table settings to create a night of fellowship and fun. The night will also feature live music by “Free But Not Cheap” Band and dancing under the stars for an unforgettable evening.

The evening features a tablescape challenge, with prizes awarded for “Most Posh,” “Most Creative,” “Most Funky” and “People’s Choice.” Guests provide their own refreshments and tableware for a highly personalized, stylish experience.

Event proceeds support projects that enrich, improve and maintain Coxhall Mansion and Gardens, like the recently installed Children’s Pavilion and statuary.

Coxhall Guild Member and Posh Picnic co-chair Mary Robinson shared some of the highlights that participants can expect at this year’s event and how Coxhall Gardens has benefited from the proceeds of this annual picnic and the generosity of its supporters.

“Since last year’s Posh Picnic, we’ve completed the outdoor covered classroom that was fully funded by the [Coxhall] Guild,” Robinson said. “We also completed the Hummingbird Pollinator Garden that was fully funded by the Steve and Sharon Terry family.”

Recent additions also include the Clay Township Children’s Pavilion funded by Clay Township, a bronze sculpture, “Dance Among the Wildflowers,” donated by Pat and Samantha McAfee located in the Clay Township Children’s Pavilion and three bronze sculptures placed in the Children’s Garden: “Ring Around the Rosie,” “Young Reader” and “Fun Times,” funded by the Coxhall Guild.

The mock storefronts in the Children’s Garden are being rebuilt due to deterioration caused by drainage issues that are being corrected. Robinson shared that the work, time and materials have been generously donated by Universal Roofing and Exteriors.

If you have not experienced Coxhall Gardens, the Posh Picnic is a wonderful introduction to one of the area’s most beautiful parks. Robinson mentioned that Coxhall was utilized by scores of folks throughout 2020. And the guild hopes to see that trend continue.

“So many more people found the park during COVID-19, and they found parks that they had never visited before,” Robinson stated. “Coxhall was just full of people, and it was wonderful to see all of the families there.”

More Exciting Things to Come

In addition to the Posh Picnic, avid supporters of Coxhall Gardens and park-goers can look forward to the beautiful sounds of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra coming to the park on Sept. 5, 2021, at 7 p.m. to present the “Classical Mystery Tour,” the sensational tribute to the music of The Beatles backed by the CSO.

Please contact Jody McFarland at [email protected] for reservations and information on this year’s Posh Picnic.

Reservations are also AVAILABLE ONLINE at myhamiltoncountyparks.com or coxhallguild.org.

If you or your business would like information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Muniver Singh at [email protected].

Writer:

Janelle Morrison

Photography:

Courtesy of Coxhall Guild and Graphics by Amy Barragree