Since approximately 1846, the 3rd Saturday of August had been set aside for the Annual Utica Picnic. The picnic has undergone many changes over the years and it was an important annual event in northern Frederick County sponsored by St. Paul's Church of Utica. Youth, young adults and adults of all ages volunteered in many ways to make the Picnic happen and be successful.

The Picnic has been on hiatus since the COVID Pandemic of 2020. We were able to have sales of our Country Ham for a couple of years through 2022. Unfortunately, the ham sales were also discontinued in 2023. 

 Today, the Picnic Woods is a place for people to gather and enjoy good company in the pleasant surroundings of our Picnic Woods. 

It was an important fundraiser for our church. Starting in 2023 we substituted a Cash Bingo Fundraiser on the third Sunday of August held at the Lewistown Fire Hall. We had a very successful first year and the funds raised help St. Paul's Utica in our mission of serving Christ to bring Glory to all.

Cash Bingo Fundraiser on August 16, 2026! 

DIRECTIONS TO THE CHURCH'S PICNIC WOODS (7515 Lewistown Road, Thurmont, MD. 21788)  from Utica: Proceed northbound on Old Frederick Road for 1 mile, turn left onto Lewistown Road and proceed 1 1/2 miles. The gate to the Picnic Woods is on the left.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CHURCH'S PICNIC WOODS (7515 Lewistown Road, Thurmont, MD. 21788)  from Frederick: Take 15 North, turn right onto Hessong Bridge Road, proceed to right turn on Lewistown Road and proceed .4 miles. The gate to the Picnic Woods is on the right.