Relive the old fashioned American carnival on Sept. 18
Nostalgia will play a major role in this year’s Gloucester County Senior Citizen Picnic. The picnic’s theme is a tribute to the old fashioned American Carnival, with the event set to take place on Sept. 18 at the Red Bank Battlefield Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A rain date is set for Sept. 19.
Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert Damminger described the annual Senior Citizen Picnic as a fun event where many residents look forward to dancing, meeting with friends and having an overall great time.
“It is a great way for older residents to learn about services and programs that are available to them while enjoying lunch and entertainment,” Damminger said.
According to the county, food, music, live entertainment and dance contests will be available throughout the day.
To coordinate with the carnival theme, there will be a dunk tank for patrons to attempt to dunk Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Jefferson.
Another new addition to the event will give attendees a choice of water ice or ice cream.
Jefferson, Liaison to the Division of Senior Services described the event as a tradition that brings together 1,200 seniors from all corners of the county, some who are old friends and some who will meet for the first time.
Jefferson noted that Gloucester County has more than 51,000 residents aged 60 and older.
“It is remarkable way to honor our seniors and provide them with a day that is social and educational,” Jefferson said.
He also promoted his role in the dunk tank.
“Come out and take a chance on dunking me,” Jefferson said.
Leona Mather, Executive Director of Senior Services in Gloucester County, also said the county is anticipating roughly1200 guest at the picnic.
“This is a county-wide celebration,” Mather said. “Department heads from all over the county will be serving food at the luncheon.”
She added that if groups wish to attend, they could contact her office to have a number of tickets sent to them.
“Our mission is to serve seniors over the age of 60,” Mather said. “Not only to provide a nutritious lunch, but to provide recreational and social activities for them.”
Any Gloucester County resident 60 and older can attend this event.
Tickets are $2 to help cover the cost of the event, which is also funded with the Title III Older Americans Act area grant.
Tickets are available at the following locations:
· Gloucester County Division of Senior Services at 115 Budd Blvd., West Deptford, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Mantua Township Community Center, 111 Mercer Ave., Mantua, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
· Glassboro Senior Center, 152 S. Delsea Drive, Glassboro, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
· Thorofare Fire Hall, Firehouse Road, Thorofare, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
· Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell St., Williamstown, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
· Franklin Community Center, 1584 Coles Mill Road, Franklinville, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
· Second Baptist Church, 1534 Pine St., Paulsboro, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
After a guest parks there will be transportation via golf carts to the picnic area. Lunch will be served from noon until 12:45 p.m.
For more information, contact the Division of Senior Services at (856) 686–8327.
