Annual Funfest Open to Wayne County Seniors

Senior citizens who reside in Wayne County can once again make plans to enjoy a day of their own at the Nankin Mills Picnic Area in Hines Park. The Wayne County Senior Funfest will be held on Saturday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free of charge but registration is required in order to receive a ticket.

The Senior Funfest has been an annual event in Wayne County for more than 25 years. Kevin Kelley, a manager with Wayne County Senior Services, says that many attendees have told him they look forward to this event each year as it provides a forum for socialization for seniors. Seniors who are otherwise homebound also look forward to the event as an opportunity to get out of the house and visit with others and make new friends. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans will attend the event and will be visiting with attendees. "This is the one event per year, the one day we say to seniors, 'this is your day, come celebrate with Wayne County,'" Kelley says.

Joan Siavrakas, Director at Wayne County Senior Services, says that Wayne County executives have come to realize the importance of the senior population, which is often overlooked. She says, "This is an opportunity for them to be appreciated, recognized, to give them something to do, something for them to look forward to." The event will feature a free lunch, entertainment, bingo, and an information tent with 50 vendors form the area that will provide handouts, demonstrations, and free health screenings. Door prizes will be offered as well. Roughly 2000 Wayne County residents are expected to attend.

Kelley says the event is publicized each year through the county's Meals on Wheels Program and at various senior citizen centers throughout the county. He adds that all departments in Wayne County pull together to organize the event each year and make it a success. Interested seniors should register at their local nutrition site in order to receive a ticket which will ensure access to the free picnic lunch and the drawing for prizes. The event is open to Wayne County residents aged 60 and older only. Organizers request no children, please. The event will proceed, rain or shine, Kelley adds.

"If you're a senior and you live in Wayne County, and you want to have some fun, we'd love to have you," Kelley adds. The event is sponsored in part by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Community EMS in Southfield, and Presbyterian Village Senior Living.

Residents who are unsure where their local nutrition site is can call Wayne County Senior Services at 734-326-5282, or 313-224-2004 if you reside in Detroit or Eastern Wayne County. Nankin Mills Picnic Area is located at 33275 Hines Drive, near the intersection of Ann Arbor Trail and Farmington Roads. While the park is ADA Accessible, Kelley cautions that Nankin Mills is a grassy picnic area and seniors with mobility issues ought to take note.