HARTFORD — Recently, Hartford based organization, weHartford announced Picnic in the Park: a limited outdoor and entertainment series benefiting local restaurants.

The series, occurring Wednesday evenings in September in Bushnell Park from 5:30-7:30 p.m., centers around one-of-a-kind picnic baskets created by a different local restaurant each week. Pre-purchased picnic baskets will be at the park where attendees can enjoy their curated meal with unique rotating entertainment, according to a email from organizers.

Event proceeds will benefit the COVID-19 recovery efforts of local Hartford restaurant participating partners as well as the Bushnell Park Foundation. weHartford is spearheading the limited event series in collaboration with the Bushnell Park Foundation, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local restaurant partners including Republic at the Linden, Red Rock Tavern, Capital Ice Cream, and more to be announced.

Chelsey Mancini of Red Rock Tavern, shares “We are very excited to connect with consumers who are eager to get out of their homes to find new activities to do, in a safe manner.”

Picnic baskets must be pre-purchased on the weHartford website. The cost is $30 and includes a full meal for one. Attendees can add on a picnic themed to-go cocktail with their basket order or purchase ice cream from the Capital Ice Cream cart at the event. Ticket sales are now open, with the first event of the series occurring on Sept. 2 with restaurant partner Republic at the Linden.

To minimize health risks, all food will be prepared at the restaurant and arrive at the park pre-packaged.

The event will require social distancing and mask usage. A full list of health and safety protocols can be found at www.weHartford.com.

“The idea came about due to a severe mix of cabin fever and a deep desire to help Hartford’s struggling restaurants,” said Melissa Melonson, CEO of weHartford and founder of the Hartford marketing company Lumi Agency. “I wanted to put together a creative outdoor concept that everyone could enjoy and many could benefit from — even in this time of uncertainty.”

The Bushnell Park Foundation was incorporated into the event when Melonson learned of their COVID-19 related struggles of low donation amounts as a result of their inability to host summer fundraisers. “When I found out that the Bushnell Park Foundation had been brainstorming similar picnic concepts, we combined efforts to bring Picnic in the Park to life!” said Melonson.

weHartford has also been working closely with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Melonson also cites the community members of Hartford as a significant resource.

“Since announcing Picnic in the Park this past weekend, we have already received an influx of communications from local restaurants, artistic talent, and locals who want to help make this something extra special,” said Melonson “The vision moving forward is to really have this series become a collaborative experience that is created by the community for the community.”

Those interested in purchasing tickets or to learn the full details about the series can do so at www.wehartford.com. Additional event details and purchase links coming soon. Continued updates and more information on these experiences can be found on weHartford’s Instagram profile or Facebook Event page. Businesses or organizations that would like to donate or help with Picnic in the Park should contact Melissa Melonson at melissa@lumiagency.com.