The Picton Kinsmen Club is synonymous with public service in Prince Edward County. It celebrates eight decades of service this month with live music and a barbecue.

Formed in May of 1944, local Kinsmen have been at the forefront of supporting local causes. They raise money for community initiatives — and have a pretty good time doing it. On the youth side, Picton Club executive and Kinsmen life member Terry Deroche noted the club continues to sponsor theROC and the Reaching for Rainbows program at St. Andrews. It takes up a number of angels through the annual Angel Tree Christmas sharing program every year.

But that’s not all. “We’ve contributed over $50,000 to Hospice Prince Edward and another $20,000 to the Back the Build campaign for the new Memorial Hospital in the last year,” Mr. Deroche said “We stay pretty active for having a dozen members. We are always on the lookout for folks who want to join and help out the community.”

To celebrate this legacy of caring, The Picton Kinsmen Club and the Wellings of Picton present Music in the Park, featuring Eric Baragar, on July 21. Thanks to a contribution from Giant Tiger, the Kinsmen will be on the grill, serving up free hamburgers, hot dogs, water and pop. There will be a cash bar.

The barbecue runs 12:30-5 p.m. at 15 Wellings Drive in Picton. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and celebrate 80 years of the Kinsmen.