Plans for a peaceful Greek picnic

Thousands of members of traditionally African-American Greek-letter fraternities will cap their celebrations of "Greek Week" with a picnic tomorrow in Fairmount Park.

Although in the past police have had to be summoned to quell excessive enthusiasm among the revelers, this year there are attempts to assure that there will be peaceful fun at the gathering.

In addition to police warnings, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the organization that oversees the charter for the eight Greek-letter organizations, has warned against any disruptions.

Also, just about every school in the area has a school-based PHC or Greek-life supervisor who will ensure that the members are on their best behavior.

Tomorrow's festivities will include the traditional barbecue, along with impromptu line-stepping and an official stepping contest.

The outing will conclude a week of activities that included a worship service, a basketball tournament, cultural events and a stop-the-violence dance competition.

Tomorrow's festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at Belmont Grove Park, Belmont Avenue and Chamounix Drive, and the event is free.

Those going should expect some traffic issues. Police will close Belmont Mansion Drive from Belmont Avenue to Montgomery Drive, and Chamounix Drive from Belmont Mansion Drive to Ford Road.

Those closures will be from 9 a.m. until the park clears out, well after 6. *