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With the theme, “Sunshine Social,” Shelby County treated senior citizens to a day full of activities on Wednesday, April 23 during the annual Senior Picnic. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

 COLUMBIANA – With smiles across their faces, senior citizens joined one another in line dancing, live music, friendly conversation and more during Shelby County’s annual Senior Picnic.

With the theme, “Sunshine Social,” Shelby County treated senior citizens to a day full of activities, including live music and a selection of vendors at the Shelby County Exhibition Center on Wednesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 86 Argo Road, Columbiana AL 35051.

With 1,100 registrants at this year’s installment, the Sunshine Social was the largest Senior Picnic event the county has hosted yet.

“It was fantastic,” said Mindy Dent, manager of community services for Shelby County. “We had our largest crowd that we’ve ever had.”

The event included residents from across all 14 of the major senior centers in Shelby County along with other residents age 55 and older who were also invited to join in the fun for free.

“It’s a great way to have all of our senior citizens and various communities throughout the county in one spot for the day,” Dent said.

The Shelby County Senior Picnic featured a selection of 32 vendors and sponsors at the Exhibition Center who had tables set up to share information and their services with the those in attendance.

A hot barbecue lunch from Tin Top BBQ was provided to the seniors who attended and visitors enjoyed a selection of entertainment, including line dancing and a live music performance by the Black Sedan Band and the Oak Mountain High School Singers.

“There were a lot of new attendees this year,” Dent said. “The feedback that we have received from our survey is all very positive and indicates that people will return. They absolutely loved the entertainment.”

In order to make the Shelby County Senior Picnic possible, the county utilizes a tremendous amount of resources and time in order to give local seniors their own free day in the spotlight.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the cooperation of more than 70 volunteers who ensured that visitors parked smoothly, traveled to the venue safely and were able to participate in a number of activities. Several external departments also participated in the process, including the Shelby County Extension Office, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Shelby County Community Corrections and the Shelby County Probate Office.

“This day was a way to celebrate our senior population and to appreciate them and the value they provide to our community,” Dent said.

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