"We were excited about our RSVP response indicating over 1000 would attend", says Executive Director Jim Chandler. "The final count was closer to 950 but it still shattered our previous record of about 800."

The Virginia Zoo, with new exhibits and a train, was a draw to be sure.

"I wanted to tell you much my family and I appreciated the picnic on Saturday," said Norfolk Airport Fire Chief Charles Lavene. "From the food to the train ride to the water fountains, my boys thought it was a wonderful day!"

Picnic attendees were treated to free zoo admission, food, drinks, entertainment, music, door prizes and a kids' zone with activities, face painting and inflatables.

The Tidewater EMS Council 2010 Awards winners were also announced during the picnic.

>Many contributors and supporters made the picnic possible. The City of Norfolk Fire-Rescue worked to secure the zoo location and provided a lot of planning and on-site support.

Norfolk Fire Chief Jeff Wise, Battilion Chief Dan Norville, Captain Tom Mingin and a host of others from Norfolk Fire, including their Explorer Post, helped with site set up, staffing of activities, traffic control, the awards program and more.

TEMS Projects Coordinator Laura Walker headed up the event, assisted by staffers Tonya Cook, David Coulling and Jay Porter. Doris Foster (Virginia Beach Rescue 14) anchored the Kids Zone activities. Suffolk and Portsmouth Fire Departments provided ice.

State EMS Director Gary Brown and state EMS Planner Tim Perkins were on hand as well. Brown, along with TEMS Awards Committee members John Hoffler and John Bianco, and Chief Wise, assisted with awards presentations.

Vendors included DJ Stan Glaser, Beach Bully and Big Top Entertainment.

Financial contributors included the Virginia Office of EMS Bon Secours Hampton Roads emergency departments, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center emergency department, Sentara southside emergency departments, Chesapeake Emergency Physicians, Children's Specialty Group, Emergency Physicians of Tidewater, Team Health-Atlantic and the Tidewater Emergency Nurses Association. A significant number of door prizes were donated by businesses and individuals throughout the region and state.

The council thanks all contributors, staff and volunteers, and all attendees, who helped make the 2010 picnic a success.

Pictures from the 2010 TEMS Awards Picnic

Some Picnic Scenes YouTube Video thanks to Bobby Hill

Welcome Remarks and Thanks to Many YouTube Video thanks to Bobby Hill

The council will send a post-event survey to those who provided their email address on site to help us better prepare for next year, and to identify others who might be interested in volunteering to assist with the picnic.