By Sandra Zunino
The 9th Annual Senior Summit & Picnic is coming up on Friday, May 20. Once again, the Senior Summit, hosted by the Queen Anne’s County Department of Aging will gather live music, caterers and vendors so QAC senior citizens can learn about programs and services that may benefit them while enjoying a fun-filled day.
What started as a picnic nearly a decade ago, has grown exponentially with last year’s attendance reaching approximately 500, according to Steve Scott, Chief of Operations at the Department of Aging.
Already, more than 60 vendors from QAC and neighboring counties have committed to the day, but there is still space for more. While the department solicits vendors such as local businesses, human services agencies, medical facilities, doctor’s offices and any other senior related services and businesses who participated in the past, many new vendors are cropping up. “We actually have several people this year who have contacted us wanting to be a part of this just because it’s been around for a couple of years now,” says Maela Rider, Department of Aging Benefits Coordinator.
In addition to vendors, all the QAC senior centers will have stations manned with staff and management available to answer questions about their services as well as craft items for sale, such as jewelry, made at the senior centers.
Although geared toward seniors, the summit is open to the public and promises to be a day of fun as well as education with line dancing, Zumba and belly dancing demonstrations and lessons, games, door prizes, clowns, balloons, cake and flower wheels featuring homemade cakes and floral decorations.
“We want people to enjoy themselves,” says Steve. “It would be a nice event for grandparents to bring their grandkids.”
Easton’s WCEI radio station will broadcast live from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Then, from noon until 2:00 p.m., Delmarva’s very own Jones Boys band will entertain spectators with traditional country music and current country hits. The Milestone Eastern Shore Event and Catering Center will provide a delicious lunch of a dry rubbed chicken breast topped with pork barbeque sandwich, cole slaw, baked beans and an ice cream sandwich for a fee. Coffee and other beverages will also be available throughout the day.
Even though summit admission is free, no county funding goes toward the event’s expenses. Dedicated sponsors, Shore Health, Chesapeake Hearing, Chester River Hospital, Queenstown Bank and Delmarva Laser Eye Center donated money to bring this year’s summit to fruition. Additionally, vendors pay a fee to rent space for the day.
As in year’s past, the senior summit will be held at the QAC 4H Park near Centreville. With plenty of indoor and covered spaces for activities, the summit will take place rain or shine from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Transportation provided by QAC County Ride will be available from each senior center at the cost of $1 each way for anyone 60 years of age or older. Guests under 60 pay $2 each way. There is also plenty of parking available at the park.
For more information about the 9th Annual Senior Summit, contact the QAC Dept of Aging at 410-758-0848 or visit www.qac.org. Email all questions or requests for vendor tables or sponsorships to Maela Rider at mrider@qac.org.