There are good times, and then there are pleasurable excursions.

Organizers of this year's Bowmanstown/Parryville Lions Club and Bowmanstown Vol. Fire Company and Auxiliary picnic believe the latter will apply.The annual event will take place July 20-22 at the Bowmanstown Vol. Fire Company pavilion, said Robert Spairana, fire company trustee."With plenty of homemade food, great entertainment and games for all, this is sure to be our finest picnic," Spairana said. "Our committees have met all year to ensure that the entertainment for this season is the finest in the area."Spairana said the Lions Club and fire company jointly provide the picnic each year "to ensure fire protection and community service for our area.""The fire company provides superior protection for the borough of Bowmanstown and the surrounding communities," he said. "The Auxiliary supports the fire company in many ways throughout the year. The Lions Club provides community service and support for persons throughout the region."Spairana added the annual picnic is a "major fund-raiser for the three organizations."This year's events kick off on Friday, July 20, with a performance by "Remember When" from 7-10 p.m. in the grove.On Saturday, July 21, "Midnight Special" will perform from 6-10 p.m. Afterward, "The Captives" will perform in the social hall from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.Sunday, July 22, will be Kid's Afternoon. The day will start at 1 p.m., as children ages 12-and-under will receive a raffle ticket for a free cake raffle. They will also receive one ticket for a free chance at their favorite game.In addition, Smoky the Bear and Dapper Dan will be on hand to entertain them, as fire apparatus from different fire departments will be on display. The first 100 adults, age 18-and-over, will receive a free raffle ticket for prizes to be raffled at 4 p.m.Then, "Jean and the American Dream" will perform from 1-4 p.m. They will be followed by local artist Nicole Donotone. A grand raffle with prizes will follow.There will be plenty of food as well, such as homemade barbecue, soup, waffles and ice cream, funnel cakes, and their famous Strawberry Shortcake.Homemade cakes and pies donated by local residents and fire company members will be raffled during entertainment, Spairana said. There will also be a Chinese Auction, with over 200 prizes donated by local people and businesses, as well as bingo in the social hall.Firefighters and fire police will provide safety and parking assistance. Handicap parking will be available.