See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Jaime Lutz
Brooklyn Daily
This is one winter game that you won’t find in the Olympics this year.
“Competitive Winter Picnicking” — the brainchild of local artist Mark Krawczuk — will pit teams of cold-weather diners against each other on the lawns of Prospect Park, to see which can create the finest al fresco feast. To take the title, the teams will vie for dominance in categories such as best food, best drink, best visual display, and least amount of clothes worn.
“I like a big party that gets people to do fun, expressive things,” said Krawczuk. “It’s always great when there is a novel problem or a simple template and then see how everyone approaches it. There tends to be a lot of smiles, discussion, and mutual admiration.”
There will be several smaller awards up for grabs, focusing on individual aspects of the picnics, but the big awards, in descending order, are “Best in Show,” “Winner,” and “First Place.”
“It is unclear to the judges how we will judge this, as it hasn’t been done this before,” Krawczuk said. “And no one wants a second or third place trophy. So I decided to have three categories of overall winning. I am sure it will all work itself out the day of.”
Though the event is quirky, it is not “hipster bait,” Krawczuk insists — its primary focus is fun, even at the expense of coolness.
“I am hoping it mainly attracts people who want to have fun, and I don’t see fun being a territory limited by age or having offspring,” he said. “I’ve gotten responses across the board, from the so-hip-it-hurts to those with newborns. I think daytime in the park, eating things, while being clever and fun about it is a common ground many can find.”
Krawczuk said that he hopes that the event will help build a stronger community in Brooklyn — but for its debut on Jan. 19, he will focus on some simpler goals.
“I have a feeling there will be a lot of good hats,” he said.
“Competitive Winter Picknicking” in Prospect Park (exact location available to those who register at www.krawczukindustries.com). Jan 19 at 1 pm. Free.