ERIE COUNTY, NY— In what is sure to become a summertime tradition, the Erie County Department of Senior Services’ Stay Fit Dining Program this week hosted the first annual Summer Picnic for Erie County seniors. Held on July 8 and 9 at the Bowen Road Grove in Como Lake Park, the two-day celebration brought seniors from around Erie County together for a lunch barbecue, live entertainment, free raffle prizes and games, and fun at the park. Nearly 350 seniors took part in picnic festivities on July 8, while rain showers did not deter another 300 from attending the July 9 picnic.

“Summer is a great season to enjoy our Erie County parks, and what better way to do that than with lots of friends, food, music, and fun here at the first annual Summer Picnic,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Thanks to Commissioner Hoak and the Erie County Department of Senior Services, hundreds of seniors and their friends are enjoying themselves this week and starting a new tradition at the same time.”

Senior Services Commissioner Randy Hoak added, “Seniors are an active and engaged group, and a gathering such as this provides a great opportunity for them to socialize and relax with friends at the park. Seniors from nearly every center in Erie County have taken part over the two days of the Summer Picnic and enjoyed the food, music, and dancing. It was a great event and our thanks go to our volunteers and partners for helping to make so many good memories.”

Lunch for the Summer Picnic was provided by Louie’s hot dogs.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Senior Services, visit  http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/