COLUMBIANA – Senior adults from all over Shelby County are invited to participate in the county’s annual Senior Picnic and Musical Extravaganza, which will be held at the Shelby County Exhibition Center between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. The event is open to any Shelby County resident over the age of 55.

According to one of the event’s organizers, Marvin Copes, the Senior Picnic has grown every year, and close to 1,000 people are expected to attend this year.

“We’ve outgrown every facility,” Copes said. “One of these days, we’ll be up to 1,500, and we’ll reach that in one or two years.”

There are currently almost 50 vendors registered and 174 volunteers. The event will feature a free, catered lunch and performances from the University of Montevallo’s musical theatre program, choral ensemble and jazz band.

“Shelby County has a big heart for its senior citizens,” Copes said.

Copes said the Senior Picnic is primarily sponsored by Shelby County, Shelby Volunteers in Service, Inc., M4a, the University of Montevallo, Positive Maturity and the YMCA of Greater Birmingham.

“It’s wild, all of the people who pitch in and help out at this event,” Copes said.

Registration for guests are due by April 20. For more information about the senior picnic, call 610-7993, send a fax to 610-7993 or visit Shelbyal.com. Anyone with concerns about transportation is encouraged to contact their nearest senior center.