By Paula Pyzik Scott

The 113th annual Farmers & Merchants Picnic was full of tried and true attractions: live music under the bandshell, favorite summer foods, games for children and many other Ada traditions. It also provided a few surprises: visits with dogs and cats and opportunities to start your Christmas shopping.

The picnic has a long history in “The Grove” of Ada’s War Memorial Park, where the shade of trees and picnic shelters made everything a little bit more enjoyable on the second Saturday of August.