CHEER, Inc. hosted its annual Trap Pond Fall Festival for senior adults on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Trap Pond State Park in Laurel. CHEER is an acronym for congregate and homebound elderly eating regularly. The agency is celebrating 55 years of service promoting healthy and active lifestyles for Sussex County’s older citizens in the age group of 50 and over.

The outdoor festival occurred on a picture-perfect day, with the high temperature hovering around the mid-80s, which didn’t seem to bother the energetic crowd. Thankfully, the state park provides comfortable shaded seating areas and tables, where the over 300 attendees relaxed, conversed with old friends and family, laughed, met new friends, enjoyed live music featuring classic favorites from the 1950’s-1970’s and entertainment provided by DJ Sky Brady.

Brady informed the crowd of just how long he had entertained at the festivals, stating, “Most of you were teenagers when I started doing this.” He started his program with a patriotic tribute to the military, followed by singing of the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Other activities as a part of the fun-filled day included,  corn hole, nature walk, horse shoes, white elephant sale, music bingo, and a 50-50 raffle that won the recipient a nice prize of $200. The goal was to allow the seniors to appreciate the festive atmosphere, enjoy a social connection with others, take photographs of each other, relax and enjoy the beautiful weather, rather than participate in physically demanding exercises.

Seven local CHEER activity centers participated in the festival, including Georgetown, Roxana, Greenwood, Milton, Long Neck, Laurel, and Bridgeville. The centers provided volunteers for the day and transportation of its members to the festival venue. CHEER operates eight activity centers throughout Sussex County to provide activities and nutrition as well as events for mature adults. Each center has a full staff including a center director, kitchen manager, and outreach worker. Vendors attending the event were: PT Works, PAM Health, Delaware Health & Social Services, State Farm, and the Delaware State Police.

At day’s end, CEO Beckett Wheatley thanked the crowd for their attendance and commented, “We ordered this beautiful day ahead of time. This day is about seniors having fun, getting outside, playing bingo, and enjoying a nice picnic lunch. I require you to keep coming out, keep having fun, and keep active it makes life great.”

The CHEER mission statement reads, “To promote and maintain the highest quality of life and independence by developing and providing services that meet the continuing needs of individuals 50 plus.