All who work aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico are invited to the annual Civilian Appreciation Picnic on Aug. 21, beginning at noon on Barnett Field near Firestone.

Last year 840 people attended and Raymond Loving, picnic chairman and fire chief at Quantico Marine Corps Base Fire Department, hopes to have the same turnout this year. Tickets are $5 for those age 12 and older. For children under 12, the cost is $2. Interested participants must buy tickets at Building 505, located next to the Fire Station, before the Friday deadline. Tickets will not be sold at the picnic.

The theme is Hawaiian Luau. Guests can enjoy watching hula dancers who will perform to Polynesian music, a live DJ and games such as corn hole and horse shoes. Hamburgers, hotdogs and pulled pork barbecue and assorted sides, including baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw will be served. Beer, sodas and water will also be available.

Children can enjoy a bounce house and the newly built playground next to the field.

The picnic not only offers a way for the base to say thanks, but it also gives an opportunity to build a sense of community among employees.

"Everyone who works on the base probably knows a lot of people but, often times it’s mainly through email not in person, on a day-to-day basis," Loving said. "This picnic will give them a great opportunity to network."

So far, 258 tickets have been sold for the event. For questions contact Russell Ridgeway at 703-784-2690.