It’s very popular, so hurry up! Do it now so you don’t forget.
Worcester County seniors have less than a week left to sign up for one of the region’s larger summertime community events.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association are urging residents to register by May 27 for the annual Sheriff’s Senior Picnic, scheduled for June 6 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury.
Now held as a drive-thru event, the picnic has evolved in recent years into a large-scale countywide gathering that combines free meals, entertainment and outreach for older residents throughout Central Massachusetts.
Organizers say the event once again features boxed barbecue lunches, music, raffle prizes, giveaways and goodie bags for participating seniors. Cars are expected to begin arriving as early as 9:30 a.m., with the official event running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Scandinavian Athletic Club property on Lake Street.
The picnic is free and open to Worcester County residents who are seniors, though advance registration is required.
Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said the annual gathering has become a seasonal tradition for many residents and senior centers across the county.
“The senior picnic signals the start of summer for many residents of Worcester County,” Evangelidis said in a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office. “I look forward to reconnecting with friends and familiar faces we meet throughout the year at local senior centers and community events.”
“As Sheriff, I remain committed to supporting the communities we serve,” he said. “Our senior population deserves recognition and appreciation for their lifelong contributions and the positive impact they continue to make in our communities.”
In recent weeks, Evangelidis has been visiting local senior centers to promote the event and encourage attendance, according to a social media post from the Sheriff’s Office.
The picnic is supported by a long list of local sponsors and community partners, including healthcare providers, funeral homes, local businesses, the Worcester Red Sox and several Worcester-area foundations and organizations.
Residents can register by emailing dostiguy@WorcesterCountySheriff.org or by leaving a voicemail at 508-796-0344 with their name, phone number and hometown.
