The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Big crowd gathers for Senior Day
Senior Day draws big crowd at Farmpark
For well over 15 years, Senior Day at Farmpark has been attracting hundreds of groups of senior citizens.
For well over 15 years now, Senior Day at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland has been attracting hundreds of groups of senior citizens with a variety of activities, entertainment and serviceable resources, including health screenings, presentations, music and bingo, the latter always being a huge draw.
“We had a big rush this morning,” said Farmpark special events assistant Andrea Pasquale. “Though the senior-related events end early in the afternoon, many stick around most of the day to enjoy all we have to offer. We’ve welcomed about 200 visitors so far.
“Over the years hosting this event, we’ve had a lot of repeat visitors, as well as newbies,” she continued. “We’ve had less of the big groups this year from senior centers, but have seen a lot more individuals. Everyone works so hard to make this informative and fun. And we have a lot of great volunteers that help us make it a success. We love our volunteers.”
In addition to taking advantage of all of Farmpark’s amenities during the admission-free event, seniors also enjoyed trail cart and tractor- and horse-drawn rides of the grounds.
While the possibility of rain threatened, groups gathered at the popular stocked fishing pond to catch-and-release a variety of species, including bass, bluegill and perch.
“Fishing is always a big thing on Senior Day, no matter what,” said outdoor education manager Jim Meadows. “We always have a lot of seniors out here fishing, and we get a lot of firsttimers all the time, too. It’s nice and accessible and everyone has fun.”
One of those first-timers, Mentor resident Carolyn Bowen, hooked a largemouth bass on her first cast.
“This is exciting, we wanted to come out and enjoy this nice day,” she said. “I told my husband, Jim, I wanted to go fishing for years. My sons are going to be very happy, and I’m glad I made the volunteers excited. This is a good feature. Jim goes and gets walleye and perch all the time, but I got the bass.”
Wanda Peters could have celebrated her 96th birthday anywhere but said she chose to do so by attending Senior Day.
“It just happened to be today. I grew up on a farm for about four years. I had a pet lamb named Bobby — I was only 3 years old. He used to follow me everywhere. But unfortunately, Bobby ended up becoming a meal.
“This is the second time I’ve come to Senior Day,” she said. “Being here brings back so many memories, seeing the sheep and lambs. I’m happy to be here.”
Farmpark Administrator Lee Homyock noted that the crowds are a testament to the event’s continued success.
“We always have a very nice turnout,” he said. “With all the great support from the community, this day keeps growing and growing.”