Seniors heading to a 'Picnic in Paradise' July 19

Summer is here and that means it's time for Somerset County seniors to get together for a day full of fun and fellowship.

This year the Area Agency on Aging's 48th annual Senior Picnic is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 at the Bakersville Fire Hall, 2143 W. Bakersville Edie Road, Somerset. Lunch is served at noon.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire to collaborate with this year’s theme of “Picnic in Paradise.”

There is always entertainment at each Senior Picnic.

"This year we will have Rosie and the Jammers back with us again," said Jennifer Clark, administrator for the Area Agency on Aging of Somerset County, in an email. "They did a phenomenal job at last year’s picnic getting all of the seniors and staff out on the dance floor."

There will be a photo booth with props, she said.

"Guests are encouraged to take photos with their friends and all guests will receive a souvenir frame to remember the day," Clark said.

Ticket prices include lunch, live entertainment and more. Tickets are available in the lobby of the Area Agency on Aging, by calling 814-443-2681 or visiting any of Somerset County senior centers to purchase. Sales will continue until July 12.

"We do not sell tickets at the door, and everyone must have a ticket to enter the venue," Clark said.

Transportation is provided from all Somerset County Senior Centers. There will also not be home-delivered meals to the community on the day of the picnic.

"This year our very own AAA staff in the nutrition department will be preparing the picnic lunch, so we are very excited," she said. "The agency office will be closed that day so that all of our staff can assist the picnic guests and show their support to the seniors that we serve," she said.

Picnic an annual celebration

The picnic is held at various locations throughout the county.

"We try to rotate around the county each year," Clark said. "We take attendee feedback (location, what worked/didn’t work, what they liked, etc.) from each picnic and use that to plan for the following year. This year, we chose the Bakersville Fire Hall. They can accommodate up to 300 guests."

Some themes from the past picnics have been “Down on the Farm,” “Polka Picnic,” “Sail Away with the AAA” and “Christmas in July.”

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs.