Drew Hillebrand is with his son Hayes and wife Kamber.
Picnic 174 is coming, and in honor of its longstanding, rich history, we’re asking some of our Picnic attendees, volunteers, and sponsors to tell us about their most cherished Picnic memory. Drew Hillebrand shares a few of his favorites. Our 2023 St. Joe’s Picnic for the Kids is presented by Arby’s Foundation.
Best picnic moment: My best Picnic moment happened last year when I was able to bring my son, Hayes, to his first ever St. Joe’s Picnic. I have been volunteering at the Picnic since I was old enough to take a cotton candy order and I can’t wait to pass this Hillebrand tradition on to him when he is old enough. Though, I’m honest enough to say, this moment will quickly be trumped should I ever win a grand prize.
What he does at Picnic: My work at the Picnic consists of many tasks. I set up [the cotton candy booth] at 7 a.m. on Saturday, take orders, restock water, mix sugar, spin cotton candy, and take tickets to the money counting room. It takes a week or so to get all of the red dye off of my hands from the sugar mixing.
Members of the Hillebrand family work together managing the cotton candy booth.
A personal connection: The Hillebrand Family & Friends Cotton Candy Booth has been around since my grandfather, Bob Hillebrand, started it in 1972 and is a family tradition I hope to pass on to my son. My cousin Codey was adopted from St. Joe’s and his company, Tee It Up Golf, is our booth sponsor this year. And lastly, my aunt Suzy Hillebrand is the Chief Advancement Officer at St. Joe’s.
His favorite part of Picnic: My favorite thing at the Picnic is the people. Our booth has been in the same spot as long as I can remember and it seems everyone knows right where it is. It’s always great when a friend or coworker I haven’t seen in a while stops by to say ‘hey’ and hangout for a bit.
Don’t miss this weekend of mega fun: live music, food (chicken dinner is back), games, and raffles.
WHEN: August 11, 5-10 p.m. and August 12, 12 p.m. – midnight
WHERE: On the St. Joe’s lawn – come ready to have a good time and support our #sjkids.
Thanks to the Arby’s Foundation for being the presenting sponsor for Picnic 174!
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