The Cape Coral Construction Industry Association is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and Saturday marks the return of the family picnic.

Put on hold since the mid ’90s, the picnic is an opportunity for the construction industry association and its members to get together, kick back, and toast another year as it speeds toward 2012.

“It’s an opportunity for us to gather as a family,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, executive director of the CCCIA. “It gives us the chance to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the accomplishments of the year. It’s also a great opportunity to bring back one of our traditions.”

As the construction industry continues to find its way through both the housing bust and the recession, the picnic also presents a chance for the industry to celebrate its continued commitment to the community.

This year industry members dedicated themselves to several projects, including building an addition to Afghanistan war vet Corey Kent’s home, the Chester Street Resource center project downtown and the Historical Museum’s gift shop, among others.

It’s that sense of the community and bonding together through adverse times that makes the picnic so special.

“We’ve all had a difficult year,” Mazurkiewicz said. “We’re taking this opportunity to enjoy some quality time.”

The family picnic is free, but an RSVP is requested.

Attendees are asked to bring a covered dish to share, while the CCCIA is providing hamburgers, hotdogs and the “fixins,” Muzurkiewicz said.

The CCCIA also asks that attendees bring their own chairs and coolers for drinks.

Kids activities will be available, as will a series of games aimed at adults, for which the CCCIA is looking for supplies.

Those supplies include: 6 hammers, 6 phillips screwdrivers, 500- 12d nails

500- #10 x 1-1/2 phillips wood screws, 2 – 4 x 6 x 10′ pressure treated lumber and 2- sturdy saw horses, according to a press release.

Games will be construction themed, according to Mazurkiewicz, but will be part of the family fun atmosphere.

“It’s like a regular family picnic you’d have on any given day,” Mazurkiewicz said.

For more information contact the CCCIA at 772-0027.

The Family Fun Picnic is Saturday, Nov 5, 3 – 9 p.m., at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.