---

ATTLEBORO - Forget what you've heard about elaborate, entertainment-heavy parties -- the best way to celebrate a kid's birthday is still with a picnic in the park on a picture-perfect spring day.

At least three children were celebrating their birthdays Saturday at Capron Park, where clear skies and mild winds made it seem even warmer than the day's very welcome 79 degrees.

"I'm so glad it's so beautiful!" said Olivia Smith, of Attleboro, who had a group of giggling pre-teen girls there for her 11th birthday.

They said her party was "awesomelicious."

"It was great," Smith said. Smith's and 1-year-old Kemi Aremu's parties were helped out with music set up for Aryan Mellen's second birthday.

Aryan's dad, Joe, had his Pawtucket family gathered with a picnic-table spread and a loud speaker that sent tunes coasting to the other side of the park and inspired quite a few park-goers to dance.

Mellen planned the party for the park, and had a few nervous moments during last week's steady rains and cool weather.

"We were worried, but it worked out perfect," he said.

Aremu's, her mom Erin, and her big brothers, Tobi, 5, and Mayowa, 3, were in town from Connecticut, visiting old friends. Former Providence residents, they use to frequent Capron Park and decided, once the weather got nice, to make her party a picnic.

"The weather is beautiful, so, yes, we're celebrating," Erin Aremu said.

Not everyone at the park was there for a party. Dozens of area residents were simply trying to enjoy the first day that hints summer isn't too far away.

"It's wonderful to be outside," Elaine Shea, of Easton, said, her son, Kevin 2 1/2, dancing nearby. "We couldn't wait to come up. He loves the music and he'll sleep well tonight!"

REBECCA KEISTER can be reached at 508-236-0336 or at rkeister@thesunchronicle.com.