In 1850, only one year after St. Joseph Children’s Home was founded, the Orphans’ Picnic began. What started out as a small picnic run primarily by a group of Ursuline nuns trying to raise funds for the orphaned children in their care has become Kentucky’s biggest picnic of its kind. Now drawing over 60,000 people a year, the Picnic’s sole purpose is to raise funds for St. Joseph’s children. All proceeds that are raised with the Friday Night Live Event and the annual Orphans’ Picnic go directly back into the Home to support the children’s programs.

The next St. Joseph Orphans' Picnic is Saturday, August 13th, 2011. The Picnic averages 63 booths, which include, games of chance, raffles and food and beverages. Over 3,000 people volunteer with their family, friends and co workers to make sure that this wonderful event runs smoothly and is fully staffed. We have several families that have been volunteering, in their booths, for over 50 years! Prizes range from new cars to Weekend Getaways. One of the favorite raffle booths is the Fine Dining booth where for a single $1 chance you can win over 55 gift certificates to local restaurants. Our famous home cooked chicken dinner is always a family favorite. Our chicken dinner begins at noon and service lasts until we run out. So make sure to get here early!

Picnic Day is on Saturday, August 13th between noon and midnight. The entrance to the Picnic is off of Brownsboro road and there is free parking available in the back lot.

The date for Friday Night Live for 2011 is August 12th. It begins at 5pm and ends at 10pm. There is a live music and many of our Picnic booths are open that evening, including the fish and bratwurst booth. In the event of rain, Friday Night Live will be cancelled.