On Tuesday, May 12, nearly 900 older adults from across North Alabama gathered for a day of fun and fellowship as TARCOG hosted its annual Senior Fun Fest.
The celebration featured a tailgate party, pep rally, parade, games, entertainment, food, and a Homecoming court representing communities throughout the region. The annual event, organized by TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging, serves older adults in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties.
Held at the Alabama A&M Agribition Center in Huntsville, the event opened with the Buckhorn High School JROTC presenting the colors and TARCOG Case Manager Camaryn Ward singing the national anthem.
Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan welcomed attendees and recognized TARCOG’s 39-year partnership with the Madison County Commission in hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the contributions and well-being of older adults.
“This truly is the class of forever young,” she said.
District One Commissioner Tom Brandon announced that Senior Fun Fest is expected to return next year to Sharon Johnston Park in New Market, where the event was held for 36 years prior to a weather-related venue change. A new community center at the park will allow for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Andrea Carter of the Elderly Nutrition Program with the Alabama Department of Senior Services spoke briefly about the importance of celebrating Older Americans Month and shared greetings from Commissioner Jean Brown.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed vendor booths, Bingo, line dancing, cake walk, a recipe swap, photo booth, classic cars, health resources, and live entertainment from the District One Band, FB & JD, and a Tina Turner tribute group. A group of TARCOG employees also made their singing debut as the “COG Notes.”
The celebration concluded with door prizes and wishes for a happy Older Americans Month from Michelle and Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey.
Michelle said ticket sales and support from local businesses helped offset event costs. In addition to the Madison County Commission, major sponsors included Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, VIVA Medicare, The Goldton at Athens, Merrill Gardens Madison, and Secure Benefits.
Additional financial support was provided by State Representatives Laura Hall, Rex Reynolds, Marilyn Lands, Phillip Rigsby, James Lomax, Andy Whitt, and Senator Arthur Orr.
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan got a great selfie shot of the crowd at Senior Fun Fest on May 12, 2026.
The TARCOG Senior Fun Fest Homecoming Court 2026 included, from left: Limestone County King James Murrah, 77, and Queen, Dorothy Malone, 82; Madison County Queen Helen Oliver, 91, and King Junior Sebright, 93; DeKalb County King James Manning, 88, and Dianne Manning, 79; Marshall County Queen Betty Booth, 93, and King Beecher Hyde, 95; and Jackson County Queen, Roxie Wright, 90, and King Jose Miranda, 87.