Community Picnic

List of 13 items.

• Weather & Emergency Text Alerts

  In the event of severe weather or dangerous conditions, we will use our Emergency Text Alert System to reach out via email and text the phone number you provided when purchasing your ticket. We will also post on social media and our website. If you do not hear from us, the picnic is on!

  
  

  For current community members who already receive our Emergency Text Alert Messages, there is nothing further to do. If you are a new community member who purchased tickets, please opt in by texting "YES" to 79041. Learn more about our Emergency Text Alert system at this link.

  
  

  If we have to cancel, we will share next steps with you all then.

   

• What to Bring & What NOT to Bring

  What to Bring:	What NOT To Bring:
  Sunscreen Sun glasses Hat Insect repellant Refillable water bottle/cup Swimsuit Towel Chairs/picnic blanket if you want to hang out in the field area Hair Tie Snacks	Anything with nuts Pets Glass Alcohol Cigarettes, e-cigs, vaporizers Weapons, firearms, or fireworks

  
  
  
  No pets are allowed on site.
  
  Please notify us at picnic@headwaters.org if you plan on bringing a service animal (no emotional support animals permitted).

• Getting There & Parking

  Shady Springs Party Barn is located at 9401 Sherman Road, Austin, TX 78742. Plenty of parking is available on site. There is also limited handicapped parking available.

  
  

  When you arrive, please stop by the Welcome table to check-in. You do not need an email confirmation or ticket printout. Just tell us your name and we will check you off. 

  
  

  If you purchased merch with your tickets, we will have those items in a bag for you to pick up.
  
  Learn more about Shady Springs Party Barn by clicking more.

  Read More

• Food & Drink

  Your ticket includes a light meal from mmmpanadas (vegetarian and vegan options) or Thistle Cafe tacos (gluten-free options). The popcorn will be popping and we will also have some special, limited snacks from our friends at Siete. A big thank you to these sponsors for helping make this event delicious! Food service will start when doors open at 2 p.m. and will go until 4:30 p.m. 

  
  

  We will also have canned sparkling water from our friends at Rambler as well as water jugs. We will have plastic cups but we encourage you to bring your own labeled refillable bottle/cup.

   

  If that option won't work for you or you think you may be hungry for something else, you are welcome to bring any food or drinks you wish. All we ask is no glass, no nuts, and no alcohol. 

• Clothing Swap

  Earlier this month, we had to cancel an Early Childhood Clothing swap event. If your family will be joining YCC or Primary, you’re invited to bring gently used children's and adult clothes to swap. All leftover items will be donated.

  
  

  If you are elementary and above, we invite you to a smaller-scale swap of gently used Headwaters spirit wear. If you don’t have any spirit wear yet, this is a great opportunity to pick some up.

  
  

  A huge thank you to the Springs PVC for helping make this swap happen!

• Volunteer With Us!

  Yes! We have lots of short day-of opportunities for volunteers to help make this picnic a success. Thank you in advance!
  
  Click this link to sign-up.

• Performances at the Picnic

  We’re so thrilled to have a great lineup of performers from our community! A huge thank you to Michele Solberg and Oliver Steck for being our entertainment hosts for the afternoon! 

  

   

• Swimming & Life Guards

  Shady Springs has two pools–one Olympic-sized and one wading pool. If your child is swimming in either pool, please be sure you are monitoring. The large pool will have a lifeguard, but we need parents to observe and make sure all behavior represents the school positively. 

  
  

  Additionally, those with long hair are required to wear hair in a ponytail or braid. If you need an elastic, we will have some available on site.

• We're a New Family, Should We Come?

  Yes! We welcome our new families to join us at the Picnic for a fun casual way to meet community members. We'll even have up signs for each current grade level so you can find some people in your child's grade.

• First Aid

  We will have a first aid table with basic first aid at the Welcome Table. Stop by if you need something!

• Tickets

  Your ticket purchase includes entry to the venue, all activities, and a light meal. Buy your tickets today!
  

  • $15 for ages 6 to adult
  • $10 for ages 3-5
  • Free for ages 2 and under

  Your advance purchased ticket helps us plan for food, drinks, and activities, so buy today!

• ADA Considerations

  Accessibility:
  There are handicap parking spaces available, and a ramp into the barn. The ground is uneven and gravelly in spot. Please let us know if you would like to make a plan.
  
  Service Animals
  Service animals are allowed, but please let us know if you plan on bringing your service animal. The ADA defines a service animal as "dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." Further, "A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks."
  
  We request any service animals are clearly marked with a proper vest. You will also be asked these two questions:
  1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
  2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
  
  Please note, no pets allowed are allowed at Shady Springs. Per the ADA, "Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA." At this time, emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not covered by the ADA.

• More Questions?

  Contact us at picnic@headwaters.org.