By Maddy PUMILIA

More than 350 people attended the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA’s inaugural barbecue on Sunday night.

“It’s a place for the community to get together,” said Jackie Schaumyan, YMCA’s membership director, of the Y. “It’s a place for current members to make relationships with other members they might have never [met] before, to bring the community together and for them to have a place like a second home.”

The barbecue included food, games and activities. Local band Misplaced Priorities provided entertainment. Games included family Bingo, basketball, gym activities, gymnastics, swimming, chalk art, face painting, a game room with Wii and air hockey. On the grill were hamburgers and hot dogs served with watermelon, potato salad and vegetable salad.

The cost was $5 for those who preregistered and $8 at the door. A Y facility membership promotion reduced the fee to join to $29. The regular cost is $159 for families.

Schaumyan said the barbecue was a success adding that mealtime is a time when people usually come together and a barbecue is a “perfect thing” for the summer. Families can get together and enjoy other families.

“[The barbecue is something] to put in their calendar every year,” Schaumyan said. “Come to the Y in July that one Sunday that the community gets together and has a place to meet.”

“The YMCA is where we build healthy living for adults and families,” Schaumyan added. “We’re socially responsible and we are for youth development. We are here for the community in any way it needs us.”

The YMCA offers a variety of activities including social activities, family building activities, child programs, gymnastics, karate, tap, jazz, group exercise for adults and more.

To learn more about the Crescenta-Cañada Y, visit www.ymcacc.org.

  MADDY PUMILIA