FRANKFORT, NY — The Herkimer County Fairgrounds buzzed with excitement on June 18, 2025, as hundreds of senior citizens gathered for the annual Herkimer County Senior Citizen’s Picnic, a beloved tradition organized by the Office for the Aging.
The event, which drew an estimated 500 to 600 attendees from across the county, offered a day filled with food, games, prizes, and camaraderie, fostering a sense of community among the region’s seniors.
Kathy Fox, a long-time organizer with the Office for the Aging, highlighted the event’s significance. “It’s our Herkimer County senior picnic today for 2025,” she said. “We offer people an opportunity to purchase a chicken barbecue for $5, and then we have free coffee, donuts, ice cream, soda. And we have probably about 300 or so prizes that people can win during the day.”
Fox, who has been involved with the picnic for 16 years, emphasized that the event’s true value lies in the social connections it fosters. “The highlight probably is getting together with other people, talking with other people, laughing, having a good time,” she noted, adding that the prizes are simply a bonus.
The picnic has been a county staple for over 40 years, with some attendees recalling its origins decades ago.
Peter Campion, Chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature, was on hand to present a proclamation recognizing the county’s senior citizens. “They all deserve recognition,” Campion said, emphasizing the importance of honoring the community’s elders.
He pointed to bingo as a likely highlight of the day, noting, “They all enjoy the bingo and like to play bingo.”
The proclamation underscored the county’s commitment to celebrating its seniors and ensuring they have opportunities for enjoyment and engagement.
Assemblyman Robert Smullen, a regular attendee of the picnic, echoed the sentiment of community spirit. “It’s a yearly favorite, without a doubt, here in the county,” he said, estimating the large turnout. “A little bit of fun, a little bit of bingo, a little bit of prizes, but mostly it’s just to get the senior community together and know how people take care of them.”
Smullen, who has attended every year since taking office except during the COVID hiatus, shared a personal favorite moment: “I actually like to give out the ice cream because you’re very popular. Literally, those are votes, right?” he joked, highlighting the joy of connecting with constituents.
The event featured lively bingo sessions with enthusiastic callers, a chicken barbecue, and an array of prizes, but attendees and organizers agreed that the real draw was the chance to reconnect with friends and neighbors.
“They tell me it’s a great experience. They love it. They have a lot of fun,” Fox said, noting that the picnic brings joy to many who may have limited social interactions otherwise.
The Herkimer County Senior Citizen’s Picnic remains a testament to the county’s dedication to its senior population, offering a day of laughter, connection, and community that attendees look forward to year after year.
