TARCOG sponsored its annual Senior Fun Fest with rodeo theme for 2025

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Approximately 850 senior citizens from northeast Alabama celebrated Older Americans Month in May at TARCOG’s annual Senior Fun Fest in Huntsville.

Approximately 850 senior citizens from northeast Alabama celebrated Older Americans Month in May at TARCOG’s annual Senior Fun Fest in Huntsville.

To show the interest level, seniors even arrived early to participate in line dancing and “Stay Active and Independent for Life” or SAIL classes before the day’s festivities started on May 13.

The TARCOG acronym abbreviates ‘Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments.’ TARCOG serves DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.

During the opening ceremony for the event’s 38th anniversary, TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Jordan talked briefly about how thankful TARCOG is for the funds that have always allowed the agency to provide services to the aging community through the Area Agency on Aging or AAA.

With potential federal budget cuts on the table, Jordan and AAA Vice President Lane Delaney involved attendees to record a video to send to federal legislators to let them know how important the services are in their daily lives, Jordan said.

The Senior Fun Fest continued to entertain with its western Rodeo Roundup theme from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville. The festival featured a talent show with entries from DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties.

BINGO, photo booths, music and live entertainment continued during the day. Service providers from throughout the region participated in an exhibition area with details about their outreach and to offer giveaways. A Masters’ Games area allowed attendees to play horseshoes, corn hole, Nerf ball throw and basketball.

Attendees enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy and lunch before the finale with door prizes.

Several participants shared their thoughts about Fun Fest:

• Wilma Shortt, Jackson County – The 87-year-old from Scottsboro sang a Hank Williams classic, “Hey, Good Lookin’” in the talent show. She didn’t win, but the loss didn’t bother her. “Just being amongst everybody has been fun,” Shortt said. “I love it.”

• Richard Garner, Madison County — “I liked the Tina Turner Show. Really, everything has been great. The staff has been so humble and shown a whole lot of courtesy,” the 71-year-old said.

• Mike Ball, City of Madison – The former state representative attended for Madison County Council on Aging. In the talent show, Ball played guitar and sang a western ballad, “Miles and Miles of Texas.” “I always enjoy playing,” Ball said. “I would’ve loved to play more.”

• Carolyn Wilson of Huntsville – “I worked in the BINGO game, and it was sensational. I brought some of BINGO cards with me because they were just fantastic,” Wilson, who’s 75, said.