TRAVERSE CITY -- Mustard and ketchup stained Taven Medler's cheeks as he ripped into his second hot dog.
His pace slowed as he buckled down and ignored questions from his uncle Steve and grandfather Caryl Tavener; the boy, 5, focused intently on the condiment-soaked bun before him, a nice family moment at the Intergenerational Picnic at the Grand Traverse Pavilions on Wednesday.
The three generations share the nickname Tav from their family name, and the Traverse City clan enjoys spending time together as often as possible.
"This is a tremendous opportunity," said Caryl, who chuckled as his grandson struggled to finish the second dog. "Good food, great people and beautiful weather. That's what makes it so much fun. It's a great atmosphere."
Gwen Rauch directs the event and expected nearly 1,000 people of all ages to participate in the Intergenerational Picnic, sponsored by the Pavilions and part of this year's National Cherry Festival. A highlight: two day care services brought more than 150 kids to play among senior citizens.
Kids were able to blow bubbles, have their faces painted, and receive temporary tattoos.
Taven's older sister Maddie Medler, 8, took a break from the activities under the warm sun and refreshed with some water and a few laughs with her grandparents.
"It's a fun day because you're outside," Maddie said. "It's always fun to play with your grandparents because they let you do all sorts of fun stuff."
Maddie then bolted from a shaded tent -- an escape from a live brass band driven by a thundering tuba.
"The music is great and so are all the people interacting with their families," said Janie Tavener. "We're with family, and what's better than family?"
Rauch said the picnic also is a great opportunity to promote the Pavilions area.
"The Pavilions wants to be a part of this community and show that we can work together," Rauch said. "This event is a great way for kids to grow up around the seniors, who have so much life experience to share."
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