Clinton leaders will fire up the third annual Clinton Community Picnic this weekend, offering the public good times and free burgers to boot.

The goal is to bring the neighborhood together, Clinton Community Council Secretary Doug Hofius said.

“The idea is to get out, meet neighbors and make people aware of the various organizations that try to represent them as Clinton residents,” Hofius said. “A lot of organizations are working hard to make good things happen and people aren’t always aware of that, so the picnic is one way to bring people in.”

The event runs from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Dan Porter Park in Clinton. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs and salad options. And as always, the food is free.

The afternoon is the end product of the collaboration of the Clinton Progressive Association, Clinton Community Council and Clinton Chamber of Commerce. It won’t just be a chow down with neighbors, though. Entertainment for parents and the little ones will be on deck during the three-hour neighborhood block party.

A trebuchet from past years used to launch pumpkins, squash and zucchini is making a comeback, and prizes will be doled out at the end of the picnic for those who launched an edible missile the farthest among other lighthearted achievements. Wordsmiths can pit their literary nous against each other on the giant scrabble board, all while rocking out to Hansen Drive, a new band composed of high school students.

For Clinton Chamber of Commerce President Stephanie Cook and other organizers, much of the picnic is about celebrating what she described as a steady revitalization of the area. One of the chamber’s goals is to prove Clinton is a place where people can spend time and money rather than pass through on their way to or from the ferry. It’s important to build a bond with neighbors, she said, and important for Clinton on the whole.

“Building a community bond is essential,” Cook said. “It helps to know your neighbors as well as getting together and becoming familiar with your surroundings, and this picnic is another step in that direction.”

Janae Cameron, vice president of the chamber, said the volunteer-based picnic, the donations from Clinton businesses and overall family atmosphere highlight what the picnic is really about — showing Clinton pride. She said it’s the time of year when members of the three organizations that put the event on come together to show their appreciation for where they live and do business.

“The picnic is a step in building pride in where you live and that’s the goal of all three organizations,” Cameron said. “We want people to feel proud of where they live and we think this kind of event where money is raised and community members volunteer is the best way to show that.”