03/12/2025
A Tradition of Togetherness: SME’s Annual Family Picnic
Building Bonds Beyond the Job Site
Good food, great company, and a little friendly competition—SME’s annual family picnic was more than just a day at the park. From world renowned barbecue to exciting raffle prizes, see how we came together to celebrate the people who make SME feel like family!
As seasons begin to change, we seized the last of summer’s sun-charged days to host our annual family picnic. Alongside prize winning games, a medley of foods, and great companionship, the highly anticipated event works to strengthen team bonds and reaffirm our commitment to our members and their families. “This is a great opportunity for our employees and their families to get together outside of work in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy each other’s company with food, prizes, and activities for the whole family” says Nate Tate, SME General Manager.
With approximately 100 SME employees and their families in attendance, the gathering took place under a large picnic shelter at the Eugene Mahoney State Park. From noon to 4pm, members and their children enjoyed yard games, Putt Putt Golf, and an activity center that had a little bit of fun for everyone. For lunch, members delighted in a potluck-style barbecue, starring BBQ chicken and pulled-pork prepared by SME’s very own HVAC Field Manager, Mike Spiker. To accompany the barbecue classics, members brought in an array of side dishes and desserts, making for a colorful plate before washing it down with a refreshing cup of lemonade.
Enjoyment extended beyond the food when we concluded the picnic with a raffle contest. The friendly competition added another layer of fun as members came back together, each hoping to take home something special.
“This is an important event for our company, our employees and their families that everyone looks forward to each year” says Nate.
As the day wound down and the last raffle prize was claimed, it was evident that the annual family picnic was more than just another event. Strengthening bonds, creating memories, and enjoying a well-earned day of fun reminds us that at SME, we’re more than just a team—we’re family.
