MADISON COUNTY – To understand the 2024 Senior Fun Fest, think back to 1980.

Or the many celebrations since then when “Celebrate. Good times, come on!” by Kool and the Gang is playing. That vibe gives an idea of what’s in store, Sheila Dessau-Ivey said. She is Director of Aging Programs for Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments or TARCOG.

“It’s going to be a party to remember for up to 2,000 seniors celebrating Older Americans Month in May,” Dessau-Ivey said. TARCOG and Madison County Commission are sponsors of Fun Fest. Ticket sales and local businesses also provide financial support to offset costs.

Tickets are now on sale for the 37th annual event on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sharon Johnston Park, 783 Coleman Road in New Market. Rain date will be May 16.

This year will be the first time since 2019, before COVID-19, that seniors from all TARCOG counties will gather in one place to celebrate their month.

“We’re so excited to see things getting back to normal and see seniors from DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties celebrate their lives, achievements and lively spirits,” Dessau-Ivey said.

The event committee started meeting in January to plan Fun Fest, which will feature a Mardi Gras theme.

A pre-event Zumba Gold workout from 9:30 to 10 a.m. will encourage participants to loosen up before festivities begin, event coordinator Emmitt Davis said. After a welcome, activities will include BINGO and photo booth with music by DJ Jammin’ Jeff.

For live entertainment, Hard on the Chickens Band, Tina Turner Group and Jimmy Ray’s Slap Happy Hayride will perform upbeat, party music. A master’s competition for games will include corn hole, Nerf ball throw and Frisbee throw.

Guests with tickets will enjoy a boxed lunch. Snacks, like popcorn and snow cones, will be available throughout the event. Lucky partygoers will receive door prizes.

“This is always a fun event, and we can’t wait to be there at Sharon Johnston Park and truly celebrate all our amazing TARCOG-region seniors,” Davis said. “Our staff is hard at work putting all details in place so it’s a special day to remember.”

Tickets are available at senior centers in the TARCOG region, including Madison Senior Center and other Madison County centers, and the TARCOG Office at 7037 Old Madison Pike, Suite 450, in Huntsville.

Advance tickets cost $5. This year, an advance ticket and T-shirt bundle is available for $15. Tickets also will be sold at the event for $7 and T-shirts for $13. For more information, call TARCOG at 256-830-0818.

Individuals or businesses can help by sponsoring Senior Fun Fest by emailing TARCOG Communications Coordinator Wendy Reeves at wendy.reeves@tarcog.us.

For more information, visit tarcog.us.