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Despite the storm that toppled tents and threw dozens of tree limbs around the old hospital grounds just two days before the 90th annual Montgomery General Hospital Women's Board, the Olney event was another success, organizers said, drawing large crowds throughout the day and netting $66,000.

The down side to the day, which featured sunshine and low humidity, was that the famous fried chicken, made from a recipe that no one will divulge, was nearly gone by 6:30 p.m. — 90 minutes before the July 27 picnic officially ended.

"Some things may change, but it's still the same wonderful fried chicken," picnic co-chairwoman Joyce Saunderson said.

Only wings were left of the 5,000 pounds of chicken.

"It went really well," Saunderson said. "We had some challenges, but were blessed by a beautiful day."

Some Olney-area residents who were without power for days headed to the picnic grounds for some food.

"A lot of people who didn't have electricity came to eat," Saunderson said.

But there were not as many baked goods to offer this year because some bakers did not have electricity.

The other star of the event is the community involvement and the dozens of volunteers that help in a multitude of tasks throughout the day, Saunderson said.

"Many of them are here by 6:30 in the morning and stay until 11:15 at night," Saunderson said. "This is such a community event, and that is worth so much more than the money we bring in."

The proceeds are used for hospital programs and expansion and for scholarships for students in health-related fields.