Los Angeles/Long Beach is hosting a very big event with up to 5,000 expected. The picnic happens at Harry Bridges Memorial Park in Long Beach next to the Queen Mary. But the day actually begins at 9am when members gather at Roosevelt Park Cemetery in Gardena to honor martyrs Dickie Parker and John Knudson who were shot on May 15, 1934 while fighting for the union. A procession of 100 cars and cycles will travel from the cemetery to the picnic, which runs from 10am-6pm and is open to all ILWU families, friends and casuals. Wristbands and free parking will be provided. The Long Beach Fire Dept. will BBQ for the 3rd year in a row. Events for kids include a jump-house and slide, face painting, cotton candy, sno-cones, magicians and more. Live music will run all day plus special dance performances featuring Polynesian, Folklorico, Hip Hop and Croatian dancers. For more information, call Jesse “Nacho” Enriquez (310) 951-1419
Portland’s Bloody Thursday event begins when members and pensioners begin gathering at 11:30am for a memorial wreath ceremony on the bank of the Willamette River at 12 noon. A family picnic follows with BBQ, soft drinks and live music provided. Amusement park rides for kids are available for a fee. Local 8 is sponsoring the event and welcomes all ILWU members and pensioners to attend. For more information, call Local 8 at 503-224-9310.
San Francisco’s Bay Area event will occur at the Local 10 Hiring Hall at 400 North Point. Events begin with a short memorial in front of the hall at 10am, followed by a complimentary lunch that’s served at 12 noon. It’s a family event with magic shows, face-painting, balloon-twisters, caricature artists plus cotton candy, hot dogs and other goodies for the kids. Representatives from several Bay Area locals, ILWU Pensioners, various maritime unions and some local politicians will attend and the event. ILWU members from throughout the Bay Area are welcome. The event is sponsored each year by the Bay Area Longshoremen’s Memorial Association – BALMA. For more information, call the BALMA office at 415-441-5511.
Seattle’s Annual Bloody Thursday Picnic is usually a big one, with over 1000 expected. It’s a family-friendly event with games and entertainment for the kids, live music, BBQ and soft drinks provided. Retired Local 98 member Jo Toro will be providing tattoos for kids. It begins around 10am and goes into the evening. The event is sponsored by Local 19, 52, 98 and the Credit Union but all ILWU members are welcome. For more information, call Robert Richmire at 206-353-7923.