TARCOG Senior Fun Fest perseveres at A&M’s Agribition Center
Gaining shelter from a rainy forecast, guests at TARCOG’s 2024 Senior Fun Fest enjoyed the day at the Agribition Center at Alabama A&M University. CONTRIBUTED
Harvest, Huntsville, Madison, Madison County Record, Monrovia, News, Unincorporated Madison County, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:03 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2024

TARCOG Senior Fun Fest perseveres at A&M’s Agribition Center

MADISON COUNTY – Despite the weather, senior citizens from Northeast Alabama enjoyed a day of musical and dance performances, games, refreshments, lunch and door prizes at the Senior Fun Fest, presented by the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments or TARCOG.

Organizers moved the event to the Agribition Center at Alabama A&M University to avoid the uncooperative weather. The TARCOG Fun Fest coincided with Older Americans Month.

The 37th annual Fun Fest involved one difference. For the first time in its history, the event was not held at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market.

“It was a tough decision because everyone loves the park,” TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Jordan said. “But the forecasted rain and storms forced a last-minute change to the Alabama A&M Agribition Center, where all activities could be safely held indoors.”

“Aside from a few sprinkles throughout the morning, participants from DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties got to have their annual celebration before storms later in the afternoon,” Jordan said.

Approximately 800 senior citizens participated in the Fun Fest from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The honorary co-chairs of the event were Nancy Robertson, TARCOG’s former Executive Director, and Rene Breland, the agency’s former Director Of Aging Programs. The 2024 Fun Fest was the first regional event since 2019 and since Robertson and Breland retired from the agency.

Co-sponsors for the event were Madison County Commission with Commission Chair Mac McCutcheon and Commissioners Tom Brandon, Violet Edwards and Steve Haraway, who all attended the Fun Fest.

“The event was held in Brandon’s district and the Sharon Johnston Park staff helped throughout the planning process and event day,” Jordan said. “The Agribition Center staff were also integral in making the last-minute venue shift.”

About 40 vendors and exhibitors added to the carnival environment with giveaways, activities and snacks, Jordan said. In addition, the festivities included a cooking lesson, photo sessions and opportunities for health screenings, among the many offerings of the day.

“It was truly a fun day for our seniors,” Jordan said. “We saw a lot of smiling faces and that’s the whole goal of this Fun Fest. We want them to have a day that’s all about them and a chance to feel like a kid again.”

TARCOG’s office address is 7037 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450, in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-716-2457 or visit tarcog.us.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *