A Retrospective: The Metal Toad Summer Picnic

On September 12th, 2014, Metal Toad overtook downtown Portland. Well, maybe not “took over,” but the sentiment was there. The Summer Toad Picnic offers an opportunity for Toads to bring their families into their work circle, furthering the important interweaving role of our social functions.

To begin, the Toads descended on Mill’s End Park, the world’s smallest park. With a total area of 452 square inches, it failed to provide the comfort and spaciousness our cadre required….so we moved on. Waterfront Park (just a stone’s throw away) graced us with ample elbow room and a beautiful view of the Willamette River. A lovely Portland summer afternoon offered a comfortable backdrop to relax and socialize.

Punch Bowl Social provided the necessary end-of-day watering hole. Bowling, karaoke, ping pong, arcade games, and shuffleboard entertained us in between drinks and appetizers. The Toads and their Tadpoles, now well fed, were sent home full of memories and calories.

More than anything, events like the Summer Toad Picnic offer us a reminder that the role of work is secondary. In Toad life, family is first. And though we often take refuge in our work family and friendships, home is number one.

Bringing our work world and home life together made for a great Saturday and a good time was had by all! (except for those few who couldn’t make it….)