Story By Marla Ballard
On Tuesday, May 12, TARCOG (Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments) held its 39th Annual Senior Fun Fest in Huntsville. Nearly 900 older adults from across North Alabama attended the event. Participating counties included Jackson, DeKalb, Marshall, Limestone and Madison.
Activities included a tailgate party, pep rally featuring a drumline made up of grandparents, and a parade with a homecoming court of kings and queens from various counties. The event also featured games, entertainment, nostalgic decorations, food and other activities in honor of Older Americans Month.
May is designated as Older Americans Month, recognizing older adults’ contributions to society. The observance is led by the Administration for Community Living and encourages seniors to champion their health through preventive care, social connection and community engagement.
The commemoration was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens. Older Americans Month highlights aging trends and reaffirms the commitment to serving older adults while supporting their independence.
TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging staff works for months to organize the special day for older adults throughout the TARCOG region. This year’s event was held at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville.
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan said TARCOG has partnered with the Madison County Commission for 39 years to provide the annual celebration. Recognizing the contributions, independence and well-being of older adults is important, she said.
Jackson County’s king was Jose Miranda, 87. Miranda said, “Getting old is mandatory, growing up is optional.”
Jackson County’s queen was Roxie Wright, 90. Wright said, “Youth is a gift of nature, but old age is a work of art.”
Both are members of the Scottsboro Senior Center and were selected as the oldest participants from Jackson County attending the event.
Miranda has attended the Scottsboro center for the past six years to stay active and enjoy socializing with others. Wright has been an active participant at the center for 25 years. She volunteers in the kitchen and participates in Masters Games activities. Last year, she was inducted into the Alabama Masters Games Hall of Fame.
Ticket sales and support from local businesses helped offset costs for the event. Major sponsors included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, VIVA Medicare, The Goldton at Athens, Merrill Gardens Madison and Secure Benefits.
